SEIU 2025 Endorsements

The SEIU Minnesota State Council, bringing together over 70,000 workers in Minnesota from across the state's largest and most powerful unions, is proud to announce the endorsement of Senator Omar Fateh for 1st Choice in the race for Minneapolis Mayor.

After previously endorsing Jacob Frey multiple times across different races, union members made clear that it was time for change to ensure the city has a leader who actually stands with working people, especially as the city and state face increased attacks from the Trump regime. On issues like improving conditions for workers, creating reforms to keep our communities safe and working to lower housing costs, Mayor Frey has continually sided with those in power and against working families. 

Adan Maalin, a constituent of Sen. Fateh and Uber/Lyft driver for 14 years who is part of the SEIU Local 26 Organizing Committee, shared why he is excited the Union is supporting Fateh: 

“It’s time for change. I’m supporting Omar Fateh because he has always been a champion for workers. When we were standing up to two of the biggest corporations in the world, he stood by our side until we won. When other politicians refused to stand up to corporate bullies, Sen. Fateh did. Our city is facing a lot of challenges and I know he is going to work with us to make our city more affordable and welcoming for all of us. After 8 years, it’s time for real change around increasing safety, lowering rent, and helping working people. Since George Floyd was murdered, we haven’t seen enough change. We’ve seen what the current Mayor has prioritized, and it hasn’t been the best for our community. I’m excited that SEIU is ranking Omar Fateh #1 because our city needs change.”

LaTanya Hughes, a Minneapolis resident on the north side for 25 years and Vice President of the Home Care Sector on the SEIU Healthcare MN & IA Executive Board, shared the belief about the need for change in the city after eight years of the current Mayor: 

“Mayor Frey told us directly and repeatedly he would stand with workers and our communities, but when pressure came from those in power he too often did the opposite. It’s time for change. In these challenging times, we need real leadership to improve working conditions, lower housing costs for our families and keep our communities safe. In my community we keep seeing kids getting shot. The police are still causing issues and we don’t feel safer. People are struggling every day, and Mayor Frey seems to be unwilling to stand up to those in power to make the change we need. We’re tired of politicians letting us down. I’m excited to have a new Mayor. We’re ready to elect Omar Fateh and get to work addressing the challenges we are facing so we can build a strong Minneapolis that works for all of our families.”

Tilly Gitchuway, a member of SEIU Local 284 Executive Board and longtime food service worker in the Minneapolis Public Schools, shared why this election is so critical to families in the city: 

"I've worked in the Minneapolis Public Schools for over 30 years, and the kids that come through our doors are like family to me. Over the last eight years, our city has gone through a lot, and it's clear we need new leadership. We need someone who will stand up to those in power to make sure families have affordable housing, good jobs and safe communities. When families can't afford a steady place to live because our current Mayor won't stand up to greedy landlords, it hurts our students. When parents have to work multiple jobs and can't be home as much as they'd like because our current Mayor sides with corporate special interests and vetoes bills to level the playing field, it hurts our students. When we still are facing challenges with real safety because our Mayor won't make the changes needed to keep us safe, it hurts our students. Our families and students deserve better. Our city deserves better. We need a Mayor who will make sure our families can afford rent, have good jobs and be safe in our communities."

As federal attacks and budget cuts continue, union members stressed that this election is about the future of the city and the need to have a Mayor who is willing to protect residents and workers while also promoting a better vision for our future. That leader is Omar Fateh.

SEIU members are ready to continue the work to build communities where every resident & worker – no matter our race, zip code or wealth – can be safe, happy & healthy.

SEIU members are also proud to endorse…

Minneapolis

• Minneapolis Mayor - 2nd Choice

  DeWayne Davis

• City Council

  • Ward 1 - Elliott Payne

  • Ward 2 - Robin Wonsley

  • Ward 7 - Katie Cashman

  • Ward 8 - Soren Stevenson

  • Ward 9 - Jason Chavez

  • Ward 10 - Aisha Chughtai

  • Ward 12 - Aurin Chowdhury

• Park Board

  • At-Large - Michael Wilson

  • At-Large - Amber Frederick

  • At-Large - Tom Olsen

  • District 1 - Dan Englehart

  • District 2 - Charles Rucker

  • District 3 - Kedar Deshpande

  • District 4 - Jason Garcia

  • District 6 - Ira Jourdain

• Board of Estimate and Taxation

  • Steve Brandt

  • Eric Harris Bernstein

Anoka-Hennepin School Board

• District 3 - Kacy Deschene

• District 4 - Abbey Payeur

• District 6 - Jeff Simon

Bloomington School Board

At-Large:

• Tom Bennett

• Dawn Steigauf (SEIU Member)

• Matthew Dymoke

• Ted Moore