Minneapolis Mayoral Election Pits Incumbent Against Challengers Amid Police Reform Demands

Minneapolis, Minnesota — The upcoming mayoral election in Minneapolis will determine the future of the city’s police department, as incumbent Jacob Frey faces off against a diverse group of challengers. Brian O'Hara, the city’s police chief since 2022, has aimed to restore morale and staffing within the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) following a tumultuous period marked by protests and rising crime.

When O’Hara joined the MPD, the department was down to about 550 officers, a significant decline from over 900. He described the situation as ‘kind of a hopeless situation,’ with officers demoralized and functioning more like a fire department than a police force. However, by June 2025, the department had surpassed 600 sworn personnel due to an aggressive recruitment drive, but it still faces significant challenges.

This election features Frey, the two-term incumbent, against a dozen challengers, including State Senator Omar Fateh and business attorney Jazz Hampton. With public safety at the forefront of voters’ concerns, the candidates have clashed over the best path forward for the MPD and city governance.

Frey opposes calls to ‘defund the police,’ arguing that additional funding and personnel are necessary to address public safety adequately. Fateh, his chief challenger, argues for reallocating police responsibilities, stating that nearly half of police calls could be better handled by other city departments.

Voters will have the opportunity to express their views on police reform, a topic that remains vital given the recent mass shooting at a homeless encampment and ongoing scrutiny over police-community relationships. ‘Things are different now, but we’re not all the way different,’ said Michelle Gross, a local activist, emphasizing the need for community trust in law enforcement.

In recent weeks, local businesses, including Fletcher’s Ice Cream & Café, have faced incidents that have heightened their concerns about safety. Owner Jason Fletcher expressed mixed feelings about the police response to a recent arson incident at his store, acknowledging their efficiency despite the recognized morale issues within the department.

As the election approaches, candidates focus on how to reform police practices. A federal investigation into the MPD, initiated after former officer Derek Chauvin’s conviction for George Floyd’s murder, requires the city to implement ongoing reforms. These include compliance with federal guidelines designed to prevent constitutional violations.

Whichever candidate emerges victorious will play a significant role in determining the future culture of policing in Minneapolis. O’Hara emphasized the importance of police who are committed to serving their community for the right reasons, as he continues efforts to rebuild the MPD while managing ongoing demands for accountability and reform.