Before his event at the Solar Arts Building in Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey described a packed schedule. His day included trick-or-treating with his two children in south Minneapolis, interviews with Latino and Oromo-focused media outlets, a visit to The Saloon bar for an LGBTQ get-out-the-vote rally, and attending “a bunch” of tailgates at the University of Minnesota Gophers football game.
Frey also participated in a ceremony renaming Edmund Boulevard in honor of Lena Smith, the first Black woman lawyer in Minnesota. “We know that the more people that vote, the better we do,” Frey said in an interview. “We want more people from every single corner of this city feeling that they are part of this team, taking ownership of our city’s future and deciding they’re going to be a part of it.”
At his rally, supporters waved signs and wore “Frey 25” T-shirts. The mayor and Governor Tim Walz shared an embrace before the cheering crowd. Frey’s leadership, many said, had guided Minneapolis through challenging times — including the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, and the Annunciation shooting. Yet, they expressed optimism that the city is now on the upswing.
Meanwhile, mayoral candidate and state Representative Omar Fateh was making his rounds, transitioning from late-night cultural events to morning markets in a vigorous campaign effort. His goal was to connect not only with his base but also with voters beyond it. On Sunday, Fateh planned to campaign alongside U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, including a rally and door-knocking efforts.
At the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturday, buskers wearing Fateh sweatshirts played folk music while the candidate greeted shop owners and posed for photos with young voters. At 24 Somali Mall, the atmosphere turned celebratory. Patrons exited storefronts upon hearing Fateh was there, clapping his shoulders in a traditional gesture of good luck and gathering for photos.
Fateh took time to engage with business owners, connect with supporters, and help coordinate rides to the polls for elderly voters. His campaign’s community outreach was evident in these personal touches.
Meanwhile, State Representative Kaohly Her shared her emotional journey as the daughter of Hmong refugees. Speaking to supporters, she emphasized how her experiences continue to shape her values and leadership approach. “We didn’t take the easy way out,” Her said. “We didn’t just focus on high-turnout, affluent neighborhoods. We made sure we were in the Hmong community, in senior homes with elders who want to vote but can’t get out, and in our Ethiopian, Somali, and Latino communities.”
Her dedication to inclusive campaigning highlights the diverse fabric of Minneapolis and reflects the commitment of candidates to reaching every corner of the city.
— Sofia Barnett and Kyeland Jackson, Minnesota Star Tribune
https://www.startribune.com/with-election-day-ahead-twin-cities-mayoral-candidates-making-a-final-case-at-parks-malls-doorsteps/601513235