Minneapolis DFL Convention Marred by Controversy as Frey Challenges Fateh's Mayoral Endorsement
The Minneapolis Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) convention, held on July 19, 2025, at Target Center, has been thrown into turmoil following incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey's formal challenge to State Senator Omar Fateh's mayoral endorsement. The Frey campaign alleges "extremely flawed and irregular conduct" during the endorsement process, citing a problematic electronic voting system and questionable quorum.
Electronic Voting System Under Scrutiny
At the core of the controversy is the electronic voting system used during the first round of mayoral balloting. The Frey campaign claims that a mere 578 votes were recorded, despite over 1,000 delegates and alternates being checked in. They argue there's "no plausible reason" for such a significant discrepancy, suggesting widespread issues with the untested system. The slow pace of the electronic vote count, which took nearly two hours to produce results, added to the growing distrust.
Shift to Visual Vote Sparks Further Outrage
Following the initial round of electronic voting, where Fateh led Frey, the convention announced a switch to paper ballots for subsequent rounds. However, with the convention's contract with Target Center nearing its 9 PM expiration, a motion was made by a Fateh supporter to proceed with a visual vote, where delegates raised their badges to indicate their preference. This move has been criticized for potentially disenfranchising Frey supporters, many of whom were reportedly absent from the floor at the time, as the Frey campaign had allegedly "quit the convention."
Quorum Challenges and Formal Complaint
Quorum challenges were immediately raised following Fateh's endorsement. On July 21, 2025, the Frey campaign formally lodged a challenge with the Minnesota DFL, asserting that the convention was plagued by an "extraordinarily high number of missing or uncounted votes" due to the flawed electronic system. The Frey campaign is seeking the invalidation of Fateh's endorsement and demanding "equal access" to the state DFL databases that endorsed candidates typically receive.
Veteran DFL Chair Echoes Concerns
Adding weight to the allegations, former Minnesota DFL chair Mike Erlandson, a Frey supporter and convention delegate, filed his own challenge. Erlandson stated that the endorsement process "did not meet the standards of transparency, fairness, or procedural integrity." According to KARE 11, Erlandson wrote in his appeal that "this was the most unfair and procedurally flawed process I have witnessed in my 43 years of attending DFL conventions."
Minnesota DFL Remains Neutral
The Minnesota DFL has declined to comment on the challenge, emphasizing its role as a neutral arbiter in such disputes. The state party is now tasked with investigating the allegations and determining the legitimacy of Fateh's endorsement.
Background and Key Dates
The Minneapolis DFL 2025 Official Call, which governs the caucus and convention process, was adopted on January 26, 2025. City precinct caucuses were held on April 8, 2025. The Rules Committee and Credentials Committee reports were distributed to delegates on July 17, 2025. The city of Minneapolis candidate filing period for the general election runs from July 29 to August 12, 2025, with the general election scheduled for November 4, 2025.
Stakeholders and Their Positions
The key stakeholders involved in this controversy include the Minneapolis DFL, responsible for organizing the convention; the Minnesota DFL, acting as the neutral arbiter; State Senator Omar Fateh, the endorsed candidate; Mayor Jacob Frey, the challenging incumbent; and the delegates who participated in the endorsement process. The Frey campaign alleges significant flaws in the voting process and a lack of quorum, while the Fateh campaign defends the legitimacy of the endorsement. "Protect Our Platform," a group of DFL activists, highlights the ideological divisions within the party. Ultimately, Minneapolis voters will decide the mayoral election in November.
Contradictory Claims and Public Reaction
According to CBS Minnesota, the Frey campaign stated that "only 578 votes were recorded in the mayoral ballot conducted using the electronic balloting system, despite the fact that over 1,000 delegates and alternates were checked in." However, Minneapolis DFL volunteers stated they "worked incredibly hard to ensure a fair process for all involved, and we are proud to have a DFL Mayoral endorsement to support for the November election," according to KARE 11.
The situation has exposed deep ideological rifts within the Minneapolis DFL, with tensions rising between the more centrist, traditional Democrats aligned with Frey and the progressive/democratic socialist wing supporting Fateh.
Potential Consequences
If the Minnesota DFL sides with Frey, Fateh's endorsement could be invalidated, dealing a significant blow to his campaign. Regardless of the outcome, the controversy could hinder party unity as the November general election approaches. The DFL endorsement usually provides a considerable advantage, but this contentious process could lessen its impact and potentially alienate voters. Furthermore, the alleged irregularities could erode public trust in the DFL's internal processes and the fairness of its endorsements. The ongoing dispute risks shifting public and media focus from policy issues to internal party conflicts. The general election is shaping up as a direct battle between Frey and Fateh, irrespective of the DFL endorsement's fate.
