Part 6/12:
Who’s Running Cities and What They Say
In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey’s failure to hold onto his seat after grotesque political shifts highlights the rising influence of immigrant communities, particularly Somali Americans. Districts with high Somali populations have shown political cohesion, supporting candidates like Omar Fatar, a Somali-born state senator, who emphasizes cultural ties and community unity.
Political commentators like Kosha Gada warn that this demographic shift could reshape urban politics nationally, pointing to the “myth of multiculturalism” and the pitfalls of pandering to ethnic enclaves. She argues that when ethnic communities reach critical mass, they tend to vote cohesively and influence local elections significantly.