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In a notable show of support, Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh is receiving endorsements from prominent figures such as current Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and former Congressman Jamaal Bowman as he vies for the mayoral position in Minneapolis. This backing signifies a moment of solidarity among progressive Democrats, particularly within the “Squad,” following a period of internal party tensions.
Omar Fateh, a Democratic state senator with a strong democratic socialist stance, has attracted public endorsements from Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and former Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York. Their support highlights the sustained impact of the progressive “Squad” movement in Democratic politics, despite some recent challenges and criticism faced by its members.
In a video filmed together, Omar and Fateh appeared to discuss the city’s rising costs, housing challenges, and the need for what they described as “new, bold leadership.” Omar said Minneapolis residents “are struggling to make ends meet” and “tired of the broken promises and the vetoes,” while Fateh emphasized his goal of “building an affordable city that working families can call home.”
Fateh’s campaign is characterized by ambitious policy proposals, including increasing the city’s minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2028, implementing rent stabilization measures, and expanding non-police emergency response teams. Additionally, he advocates for a local income tax targeting high earners and has vowed to oppose any cooperation between local police and federal immigration enforcement. His vision for Minneapolis is one of standing firm against policies reminiscent of former President Donald Trump’s administration, with a commitment to protecting all communities.
Fateh followed up with a graphic quoting Omar’s statement, which read, “Minneapolis deserves a champion for working people,” and expressed her intention to rank Fateh as her “first choice for mayor.” On Friday, Fateh announced an upcoming “Northside Doorknock” event with Jamaal Bowman, calling the former congressman “an inspiration to so many people across the country.”
The support from Jamaal Bowman comes after his own tumultuous political journey. Bowman, who lost his reelection bid in 2024, had been embroiled in a series of controversies, notably involving an incident where he pulled a Capitol fire alarm during a critical government funding vote. This act, caught on camera, led to an investigation by Capitol Police and the House Administration Committee. Consequently, Bowman was fined $1,000 and required to issue an apology to the Capitol Police.
Bowman’s defeat came at the hands of Westchester County Executive George Latimer in what became the most lavishly funded House primary in U.S. history, with over $23 million spent. His exit from Congress after just one term was perceived as a significant blow to the progressive “Squad.” Before his departure, Bowman was outspoken on international issues, calling for the U.S. to accept Palestinian refugees and standing as one of the few Democrats against increased military aid to Israel.
Omar, meanwhile, has remained one of Fateh’s strongest allies. The congresswoman has previously faced criticism over her own record, including questions about her personal finances — which grew from roughly $51,000 to as much as $30 million in one year — and a federal election complaint related to nearly $230,000 in campaign payments to her husband’s consulting firm. She also gained attention for remarks calling the United States a “police state” under President Trump and suggesting the country was becoming “one of the worst in the world.”
Fateh’s campaign has been marked by a series of disputes and investigations. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party revoked its endorsement of his mayoral bid after citing voting irregularities at the city convention, a move Fateh decried as “backroom politics.” In past reporting, Breitbart News detailed Fateh’s ties to individuals connected to a federal food fraud investigation, his advocacy for taxpayer-funded college for illegal immigrants, and his support for George Floyd protesters during the 2020 riots.
