Frey gets DFL endorsement to challenge Hofstede for Minneapolis City Council seat
Minneapolis City Councilmember Diane Hofstede is vowing to continue her re-election campaign, even though the DFL Party endorsed her challenger.
The party on Saturday gave its support to attorney Jacob Frey in the race to represent a city council ward that includes parts of downtown and northeast Minneapolis.
Hofstede had promised to drop out of the race if Frey got the endorsement. She has now revoked that pledge and is seeking a third term. Hofstede is the fourth incumbent Minneapolis City Council Member to lose DFL party endorsement so far this year.
Frey said he has a new vision for the city.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
"The future of Minneapolis is full of people that don't look just like yourself. I think the future recognizes that you can raise a family downtown in an urban atmosphere," Frey said. "The future is moving away from the little white picket fence, and moving toward an absolutely vibrant Minneapolis."
Frey is a community organizer who ran briefly for the state senate in 2011. He has never held office before.
Hofstede says her experience makes her the better candidate.
"I have a strong record to run on and a record of accomplishments, of meeting the needs of the constituents," Hofstede said. "I do have a record, unlike someone who has just come into the ward."
The Minneapolis DFL has displayed an anti-incumbent streak this year. Hofstede is the fourth incumbent DFL city council member to be rejected by party delegates.
But two other incumbents easily retained party endorsement today. Council President Barbara Johnson and Councilmember Kevin Reich each received the DFL nod.