Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Voters in Minneapolis will have 15 candidates to choose from in the 2025 mayoral election on Nov. 4. As of now, there are no Republican candidates in the race. The candidates are affiliated with a variety of political parties and independent platforms.

Minneapolis mayor candidates weigh in ahead of election

Click on the candidate’s name and read their responses: 

The candidates below did not respond to MPR News' Voter Guide survey: 

Laverne Turner, Kevin Dwire, Andrea Revel, Adam Terzich, Jeffrey Alan Wagner, Kevin Ward.

También puedes leer las respuestas en español

Minneapolis has everything we need to solve our most pressing problems as a city — but gridlock and division are making it impossible for our city to get things done. The antagonism between the mayor and the City Council has had real negative effects on everyone who lives here. I’m running because we deserve a mayor who can build consensus and trust out of division. We deserve a mayor who will govern with integrity. I believe in us – and I know that together we can build the city we deserve.

What life or professional experiences led you to seek this position?

From more than 20 years of national policy work on healthcare and housing, to supporting HIV outreach with communities of color in Minneapolis, I’ve devoted my life to caring for vulnerable communities. I served as the Co-Chair of the City Community Safety Working Group and the Minnesota Poor People’s Campaign, and, as Lead Minister at Plymouth Congregational Church, I helped build caring relationships across lines of difference, bringing people together to work for racial and economic justice.

What are the top issues you're discussing with voters and why?

We deserve a city that ensures that no matter how much money you make, you can have a safe and stable home. We deserve a city that ensures everyone’s safety by investing in communities, preventing harm, and making sure that when people call for help, they get the help they need. We deserve a city government that will protect all of us from Trump’s federal agents and his cruel, discriminatory policies. But we can’t build the city we deserve without principled, compassionate leadership.

I’m running for Mayor of Minneapolis to work alongside our community to achieve the vibrant, loving city we know Minneapolis can be. We know that for working people, it’s getting harder to build our lives here. Mayor Frey and the status quo are failing Minneapolis residents. Minneapolis is ready to invest in long-term solutions that will bring stability and security to our communities. We all want to invest in our shared success. We deserve an affordable city that is accountable to us.

I currently serve as the State Senator representing District 62. My terms in the Minnesota Legislature and my current mayoral campaign are the culmination of a life dedicated to improving the lives of my neighbors and fellow Minnesotans, informed by progressive values and strong community bonds. I have deep ties in our community and have worked on a wide range of issues informed by the demands of the community. Now I am ready to bring this leadership to City Hall as the next Minneapolis Mayor.

Over the past five years, Minneapolis has faced historic challenges, but we never stopped fighting for our city. While we’ve made serious progress, there is still a lot of work still to be done. I’m running for a final term as mayor to protect the progress we’ve made from Washington’s chaos, and to do the hard work of building a city where everyone, no matter their race, where they come from, or who they love — can afford a home, walk a safe street, and live with dignity.

I represented the 3rd ward on the Minneapolis City Council, overseeing record setting growth and housing progress in areas along the river. I worked as an attorney with clients ranging from death row inmates to small business owners. And I ran for Team USA as a professional distance runner. But the experience that most qualifies me to be mayor is having been mayor, leading Minneapolis through difficult times, gaining experiences that I now use every day for the betterment of our city.

Voters are focused on safety and affordability. We've made real progress, and there is more work to do. Unsheltered homelessness is down 33% since the pandemic, violent crime is trending down, MPD is the most diverse it has ever been, and we're building 8.5 times more deeply affordable housing than when I took office. And to keep property taxes as low as possible, we’ll focus on core services, cut what doesn't work, and invest in solutions that do.

I have lived my whole life within a few miles of where I am today, and now I am raising my kids here and sending them to Minneapolis Public Schools. I am running because I believe Minneapolis can be a city where everyone and their families feel safe, welcomed, and empowered. My focus is on uniting people, breaking through gridlock, and building a future with strong schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, good jobs, and thriving businesses that push our community forward together.

My experiences as a husband, father, and MPS parent drive me to serve. I want my kids, and every child here, to grow up in a city that is safe, affordable, and full of opportunity. I fought for housing with Catholic Charities, justice with the Great North Innocence Project, and equity with the Minneapolis Foundation. As an attorney, social justice tech company leader, and entrepreneurial finance professor, I have seen the power of community and the need for fresh leadership.

The top issues I hear are public safety, affordable housing, and the economic vitality of our city. People want a safety system rooted in trust and accountability so every resident feels secure. Families are struggling with the cost of housing and need real affordable options. And they want an economy where jobs are strong, small businesses can grow, and taxes stay sustainable. Voters are ready for leadership that unites the city and delivers on these priorities.

I'm running for mayor because I didn't feel the other candidates truly represent all of Minneapolis. Too many residents feel burdened by crime, high costs, and uninspiring leadership. Entering this race, even late, felt necessary my purpose to step up, as Minneapolis needs better structure and care for its people. With decades of global experience as a top aide, strategist, and creative director, I know how to unite people and build a safer, stronger city for all of us.

From an invitation to dance for Prince when I was younger, which brought me to Minneapolis, to serving as aide to a Saudi Princess, my journey has been extraordinary. I've worked with leaders, serial entrepreneurs, and families, managing lives with discretion and dedication. Behind the scenes as a creative director and image consultant, I've helped people achieve their best selves and rise from hardship. This rare, worldly-wise path equips me to guide our city with balance, strength, and vision.

Crime, safety, homelessness, housing, financial stability, mental health, guns, jobs, rising costs, public education and misuse of funds weigh on voters. Minneapolis needs better options, rules that better our lives, and display renewed hope with impressive change and advancements. I want to know what our people value, what we're grateful for, what disappoints and frustrates us. I delve into these concerns/everyday problems, and interests, to learn how best to support transformative leadership.

Xavier Pauke, Protecting Tomorrow’s Dreams

I stepped forward because Minneapolis deserves proactive leadership before crises hit. I will expand and weatherize infrastructure (repairing roads, sewers, and removing lead pipes), while defending science and education. My goal is for youth to thrive in a safe, resilient city, supported by afterschool opportunities that provide supervision and connect families to care services. I’m running to protect our future and strengthen every neighborhood together. I couldn’t sit on the sideline waiting.

I’ve spent years in community service, stepping up as both a leader and connector. I worked to bring people from around the world together, fostering respect and collaboration toward shared goals. It wasn’t easy, I often slept only four hours a night to stay available. Though unpaid, the role taught me endurance, patience, and how to balance competing needs. These skills, building trust, uniting people, and working tirelessly, I now want to bring into public service for Minneapolis.

My top priority is ensuring Minneapolis has secure access to food, water, power, and internet so we remain resilient in uncertain times. I also hear concerns about housing, public safety, and affordability. By strengthening infrastructure and protecting essential services, we create stability for families and businesses alike. This foundation allows us to focus on immediate challenges while building long-term independence and autonomy From external pressures while we handle our internal issues.

Since MN passed 43a.191 requiring Affirmative Action Agents screen for political suitability Minnesota has been a criminal racketeering enterprise. The Small Underutilized Business Program gives Mpls the same race based discrimination policies as South Africa.

Corporate Communications, 25 years in Technology and 15 years of Human AI Systems Engineering Experience. This includes the infamous Minnesota BS and Fraud Detector - Jewel Eldora.

2020 should be investigated as sedition and those responsible receive the maximum penalty. Affirmative Action 43a.191 is a Federal Civil Rights crime that is a racist cancer on the city.

I'm running because the people of Minneapolis deserve a leader who understands the challenges we face as a city, and has the experience to meet those challenges with compassionate strength. This is the only place I've ever called home, and the incredible communities that raised me need an advocate that not only speaks for them, but fights alongside them. For too long our politicians have avoided the consequences of their decisions in office, but this will never be an option for me.

I've lived in Minneapolis my entire life, and am a 12 year alumni of MPS. I have been a delegate to the DFL state convention, and understand the struggles we face under traditional party politics. I currently serve as the Vice President, and Chair of the Executive Committee of my Union local representing ~2,500 carpenters in the Twin Cities Metro Area. I served on the Bargaining Committee for our commercial agreement encompassing over 10,000 members.

Public safety, public education, and economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability and climate change are also top issues for me, but I believe that they can be upheld in all areas of life and do not mutually exclude our day to day needs.

I'm running for Mayor because I'm afraid Minneapolis will be the next Detroit, MI, where working-class families get pushed out of their homes because they no longer can afford them, and low-income families become our next unhoused neighbors. I was once homeless in the streets of Minneapolis, so I know we need a permanent solution not a temporary fix. I have a background in criminal justice, so I know our community members and peace officers need to work together to make a safe place called MPLS.

In 2017, I met a kind woman in South Minneapolis just days before her life was taken. Her name was Justine Damond. I watched as the leaders of our city silenced her story because the Super Bowl was coming. These same leaders told her family and the community that real change was coming to the police department. But like we've seen time and time again in Minneapolis, they threw money over another dead body and called it justice. Community members who weren't even at the crime scene end up paying

Real solution to the unhoused neighbors. 

Lee las respuestas de los candidatos a la alcaldía de Minneapolis traducidas al español:

Minneapolis tiene todo lo necesario para resolver los problemas más urgentes como ciudad, pero el estancamiento y la división impiden que nuestra ciudad logre sus objetivos. El antagonismo entre el alcalde y el Ayuntamiento ha tenido efectos muy negativos para todos los que vivimos aquí. Me postulo porque merecemos un alcalde capaz de generar consenso y confianza a partir de la división. Merecemos un alcalde que gobierne con integridad. Creo en nosotros y sé que juntos podemos construir la ciudad que merecemos.

¿Qué experiencias de vida o profesionales le llevaron a buscar este puesto?

Desde trabajar más de 20 años en políticas nacionales de salud y vivienda, hasta apoyar en programas de divulgación sobre el VIH en comunidades de color de Minneapolis, he dedicado mi vida a cuidar de las comunidades vulnerables. Fui copresidente del City Community Safety Working Group y de la Minnesota Poor People’s Campaign. Asimismo fui ministro principal de la Iglesia Congregacional de Plymouth y ayudé a forjar relaciones solidarias que trascienden diferencias, uniendo a las personas para trabajar por la justicia racial y económica.

¿Cuáles son los temas más importantes que esta discutiendo con los votantes y por qué?

Merecemos una ciudad que garantice el tener un hogar seguro y estable sin importar cuánto dinero se gane. Merecemos una ciudad que garantice la seguridad de todos, que invierta en las comunidades, que prevenga daños y se asegure de que cuando las personas pidan ayuda la reciban. Merecemos un gobierno municipal que nos proteja a todos de los agentes federales de Trump y sus políticas crueles y discriminatorias. Pero no podemos construir la ciudad que merecemos sin un liderazgo compasivo y con principios.

Me postulo para la alcaldía de Minneapolis para trabajar junto a nuestra comunidad y lograr que Minneapolis sea la ciudad vibrante y llena de vida que sabemos que puede ser. Los trabajadores sabemos que cada vez es más difícil construir nuestras vidas aquí. El alcalde Frey y el status quo están fallando a los residentes de Minneapolis. Minneapolis está lista para invertir en soluciones a largo plazo que traerán estabilidad y seguridad a nuestras comunidades. Todos queremos invertir en nuestro éxito compartido. Merecemos una ciudad asequible que rinda cuentas.

Actualmente soy senador estatal sirviendo al Distrito 62. Mis mandatos en la legislatura de Minnesota y mi actual campaña para la alcaldía son la culminación de una vida dedicada a mejorar la vida de mis vecinos y compatriotas en Minnesota, basada en valores progresistas y fuertes lazos comunitarios. Tengo profundos vínculos con nuestra comunidad y he trabajado en una amplia gama de temas, inspirados en las demandas de la comunidad. Estoy listo para llevar este liderazgo al ayuntamiento como el próximo alcalde de Minneapolis.

NewsPartners

Minnesota News

Español

Election 2025

MPR News Staff

Author

Minneapolis is electing its next mayor on Nov. 4, 2025. No Republicans in the race — but plenty of platforms to choose from, spanning major parties and independents.

Voter guides: 2025 Minneapolis mayoral race

Go Deeper.

Like this?