Who Is Omar Fateh? Mamdani of Minneapolis Faces MAGA Abuse
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Omar Fateh, a mayoral candidate for the city of Minneapolis, has received a backlash from MAGA figures on social media.
Newsweek contacted Fateh for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Fateh, the son of immigrant parents from Somalia and a Democratic state senator in Minnesota, is facing abuse from social media users on X.
In June, New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani—another Democratic politician who advocates for progressive causes, such as rent freezes—won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary and faced a similar Islamophobic backlash online. Mamdani also faced anti-Muslim messages and death threats during his campaign.
The incidents raise questions about political polarization in the U.S., which recently saw the assassination of Democratic Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman.
University student Austin Berger, left, posing for a portrait with Omar Fateh, who was running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in Dinkytown, on June 1, 2018.
University student Austin Berger, left, posing for a portrait with Omar Fateh, who was running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in Dinkytown, on June 1, 2018.
Easton Green/The Minnesota Daily via AP
What To Know
Writing on X, some accounts questioned Fateh's citizenship, falsely claiming that he was not American. Others falsely linked him to other politicians with Somali heritage.
In one post, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk wrote: "Muslims are commanded to take over the government in the land they live. The attempted Islamic takeover of America is made possible thanks to mass migration."
Fateh commented on the post: "Minneapolis is a beautifully diverse city that stands firm in our progressive values. The hate I've seen today—and most days—is not who we will ever be. I'm running for Mayor to work with you to achieve the affordable city we know Minneapolis can be."
Mamdani, an American citizen who was born in Uganda, has faced similar challenges over his citizenship—with some Republicans calling on President Donald Trump's administration to denaturalize the New York lawmaker and deport him.
What People Are Saying
On his campaign page, state Senator Omar Fateh wrote: "We deserve a Mayor who makes it so people want to continue to live here, raise families here, and start businesses here."
Political analyst Scott Lucas called Kirk's comments "bigotry, xenophobia and race-baiting." He told Newsweek: "This is not criticism of his record. It's not criticism of his policies. It is not an engagement for discussion on the political issues facing Minnesota. It is not a discussion of his record in the Minnesota Senate."
He added: "Omar Fateh is not an immigrant. He is a U.S. citizen." He also said it was important to call out "religious hatred" when it occurs.
What Happens Next
The Minneapolis mayoral election is scheduled to take place on November 4. Fateh is running against two-term Democratic incumbent Jacob Frey.
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