We won the DFL endorsement with 72.4% of the delegation because we are building a multiracial, multigenerational, district-wide movement for more progressive, more responsive representation at the Capitol. Our campaign has never been solely centered on one person. We rely on the people of South Minneapolis as well as our partner organizations to help shape our vision for a better future for all Minnesotans. I am proud to share my working list of public supporters, elected offical endorsers, and partner organizations. I hope I can add your name as well!
It is no secret that money influences elections. Minnesota has some of the best voter protections in the country. Still, it is no secret that money enables candidates to flood the airwaves and get their message out. The DFL endorsment process gives candidates the opportunity to win with organized people instead of organized money and build the support of the some of the most engaged voters in their district and without needing to raise tens of thousands. Anyone who is eligible to vote can have their voice heard in the endorsing process by showing up to caucus and become delegates the the Senate District Convention. On Caucus night, several hundred residents of District 62 showed up to become delegates for Omar Fateh. Hundreds more were undecided. Over the course of several weeks, our campaign earned the support of a stunning 72.4% of the delegates to make Omar Fateh the next Senator representing District 62. It is common for candidates to pledge to abide by the endorsement, meaning they will accept the outcome of the convention as the will of the people and won't run against an endorsed candidate. Both Omar Fateh and Jeff Hayden agreed in advance of the convention to abide by the DFL endorsement. Jeff Hayden went back on his word and filed his candidacy for re-election anyway. Now, Omar Fateh faces off against him with the full and unequivicol support of the Democratic (DFL) party.
Party leaders know that Omar Fateh is the candidate we need to elect progressive Democrats up and down the ticket, now and in future elections. He appeals to the progressive base of District 62 and brings historically disenfranchised communities into the process, such as renters, communities of color, and working class Minnesotans as a whole. Hear from the chair of the DFL, Ken Martin, about why Omar Fateh is the best candidate to lead our district and our state into the future:
Our campaign has been connecting with progressive, local elected leaders at the city and county level who represent the residents of District 62. These are some of the ones most connected with the needs of our community with firsthand experience working with their state legislators. They support Omar Fateh because they know they need someone who is responsive who will not only engage the community, but work tirelessly to build support for the action we need at all levels of government.
Our people-powered campaign is centered on the people of South Minneapolis, a community that is made up of thousands of working Minnesotans. Some unions do not seriously consider challengers to Democratic incumbents. Our focus has been building support from rank and file Union members. We are displaying a list of some of those workers who wanted to be listed as public supporters.
Are you a Rank And File Union Member who lives in South Minneapolis? Want to add your name to this list? Sign your name by clicking here and filling out the form!
Leading up to the DFL endorsement of Omar Fateh, our campaign met with dozens of delegates and who wanted to shair their support for Omar Fateh's candidacy by becoming public endorsers. These are our neighbors who are some of the most engaged activists and community leaders here in South Minneapolis: