Who is Omar Fateh? Minneapolis' 'Zohran Mamdani' running for mayor
The 34-year-old Democrat, who announced his candidacy in December, laid out a bold vision to increase the city's minimum wage to $20 by 2028, freeze rents, and block police cooperation with federal immigration authorities. But his policy proposals and Somali heritage quickly became the focus of online hate, with conservative commentators branding him 'a terrorist' and a 'lite version of Zohran Mamdani,' referencing the New York lawmaker known for his socialist platform.
Among the vitriol, Fateh was told to 'go back to Mogadishu' and mocked for his appearance. 'I can tell by the shape of his head he's a Somalian… He should run for Mayor in Mogadishu,' wrote conservative political strategist Joey Mannarino. Others falsely questioned his citizenship and made derogatory references to Somalia, despite Fateh being born in Washington D.C. and having served in the Minnesota legislature since 2021.
Unfazed, Fateh responded by focusing on the stakes of the upcoming election. 'Protecting all of our communities from Donald Trump means not letting MPD interact with ICE… Our residents deserve a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and say, 'no, not in our community,'' he said in a campaign video posted to X. He argued that nearly half of the city's police calls could be handled without an officer and called for investment in alternative public safety responses.
Fateh's campaign has drawn comparisons to that of Zohran Mamdani in New York, whose similar policies have sparked fierce backlash from right-wing commentators. 'The phenomenon of Multi-Cultural Marxist Mayors is spreading throughout the USA,' one critic posted, warning of the rise of left-wing candidates from immigrant communities.
Who is Omar Fateh?
Currently serves as Minnesota State Senator for District 62, elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2022.
First Somali-American and first Muslim to serve in the Minnesota Senate.
Born in Washington D.C. to Somali immigrant parents.
Holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from George Mason University.
Worked as a community specialist in Minneapolis and as a coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Also served at the Department of Revenue and worked as a business analyst at the University of Minnesota.
Authored 54 bills in the 2021–2022 legislative session, including one decriminalising fentanyl test strips.
Chairs the Senate's Higher Education Committee and vice-chairs the Human Services Committee.
Advocates for environmental and racial justice, including reparative urban planning for Black neighbourhoods.
Lives in Stevens Square with his wife and is expecting a child.
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