2021 Minneapolis mayoral election
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Candidate Jacob Frey Kate Knuth Sheila Nezhad
Party Democratic (DFL) Democratic (DFL) Democratic (DFL)
First round 61,468
42.8% 		26,468
18.4% 		30,368
21.1%
Final round 70,669
56.2% 		55,007
43.8% 		Eliminated
First preference votes by ward
Frey:      30–34%      35–39%      40–44%      45–49%      50–54%      55–59%      60–64%
Nezhad:      30–34%      35–39%      40–44%      45–49%      50–54%
Knuth:      30-34%
Awed:      40–44%      55–59%
Mayor before election

Jacob Frey
Democratic (DFL)

Elected Mayor

Jacob Frey
Democratic (DFL)

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Minneapolis
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Mayoral elections

A mayoral election was held on November 2, 2021, to elect the mayor of the U.S. city of Minneapolis. Incumbent DFL mayor Jacob Frey won reelection to a second term, becoming the first Minneapolis mayor to win a second term since R. T. Rybak in 2005. Minneapolis mayoral elections use instant-runoff voting, also known as ranked-choice voting. All candidates appear on the same ballot and there is no primary election, nor is there a runoff. Minneapolis's twin city, Saint Paul, also held a mayoral election on the same day, using the same system.

Background

2017 election

Main article: 2017 Minneapolis mayoral election

Frey announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis on January 3, 2017,[2] and won the November 7 election.[3][4] He was sworn into office on January 2, 2018.

Frey is Minneapolis's second Jewish mayor, and its second-youngest after Al Hofstede, who was 34 when he was elected in 1973.[5] Frey campaigned on a platform of increasing support for affordable housing and improving police-community relations.

Candidates

Declared

Withdrew

Endorsements

Seven DFL members of the Minnesota State Legislature signed a letter urging Minneapolis residents not to reelect Frey and to instead elect a new mayor who would fight racial discrimination while improving public safety. The legislators who signed the letter were senators Scott Dibble and Omar Fateh and representatives Esther Agbaje, Jim Davnie, Aisha Gomez, Emma Greenman, and Hodan Hassan. The letter stops short of endorsing any specific candidate,[22] but Agbaje, Davnie, Dibble, and Greenman separately endorsed Knuth. Gomez endorsed both Nezhad and Knuth.[23][24]

Jacob Frey (incumbent, DFL)
Federal officials
Statewide officials
Local officials
Labor unions
Kate Knuth (DFL)
U.S. Representatives
State legislators
Local officials
Party caucuses
  • Minnesota DFL Environmental Caucus[7]
Organizations
Sheila Nezhad (DFL)
U.S. Representatives
State legislators
  • Aisha Gomez, Minnesota state representative from District 62B (dual endorsement with Kate Knuth) [32]
Local officials
Party caucuses
Organizations
Nate "Honey Badger" Atkins (L)
Individuals
Party caucuses
No endorsement
Party caucuses

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports (1/1/2021—7/27/2021)
Candidate[a] Total raised Expenses Cash on hand
Nate Atkins $13,041 $10,616 $2,424
AJ Awed $263,005 $235,464 $27,598
Troy Benjegerdes $0 $0 $0
Bob Carney $0 $0 $0
Clint Conner $60,450 $45,589 $14,860
Christopher David $912 $712 $200
Jacob Frey $676,271 $754,283 $155,767
Mark Globus $25,420 $23,413 $2,006
Marcus Harcus $0 $0 $0
Paul Johnson $3,225 $2,305 $919
Kate Knuth $227,505 $179,710 $47,795
Sheila Nezhad $231,501 $186,529 $49,667
Jerrell Perry $4,564 $3,983 $581
Laverne Turner $1,830 $1,042 $753
Mike Winter $150 $150 $0
[49]

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[A] 		Margin
of error 		RCV
count
AJ Awed
Jacob Frey
Kate Knuth
Sheila Nezhad
 Others Exhausted
ballots 		Undecided
ALG Research (D)[B] October 16–19, 2021 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 1 3% 44% 10% 25% 4% – 13%
3 – 45% 12% 26% – 4% 13%
4 – 47% – 27% – 12% 13%

Results

2021 Minneapolis mayoral general election[50]
Candidate Round 1 Round 2
Votes % Votes %
Jacob Frey (incumbent) 61,620 42.8% 70,669 56.2%
Sheila June Nezhad 30,368 21.1% Eliminated
Kate Knuth 26,468 18.4% 55,007 43.8%
A.J. Awed 6,860 4.8% Eliminated
Laverne Turner 4,620 3.2% Eliminated
Clint Conner 4,309 3% Eliminated
Bob Carney 2,788 1.9% Eliminated
Marcus Harcus 1,189 0.8% Eliminated
Nate Atkins 1,179 0.8% Eliminated
Mark Globus 1,158 0.8% Eliminated
Doug Nelson 739 0.5% Eliminated
Jerrell Perry 687 0.5% Eliminated
Mike Winter 642 0.4% Eliminated
Christopher David 493 0.3% Eliminated
Kevin Ward 282 0.2% Eliminated
Paul Johnson 243 0.2% Eliminated
Troy Benjegerdes 184 0.1% Eliminated
Write-ins 145 0.1% Eliminated
Inactive ballots 0 ballots 18,298 ballots
Total 143,974 100.0% 143,974 100.0%
2021 Minneapolis mayoral general election[50]
Party Candidate Maximum
round 		Maximum
votes 		Share in
maximum
round 		Maximum votes
First round votesTransfer votes


Democratic (DFL) Jacob Frey (incumbent) 2 70,669 56.2%
​​
Democratic (DFL) Kate Knuth 2 55,007 43.8%
​​
Democratic (DFL) Sheila Nezhad 1 30,368 21.1%
​​
Democratic (DFL) A.J. Awed 1 6,860 4.8%
​​
Republican Laverne Turner 1 4,620 3.2%
​​
Democratic (DFL) Clint Conner 1 4,309 3.0%
​​
Republican Bob Carney 1 2,788 1.9%
​​
Grassroots—LC Marcus Harcus 1 1,189 0.8%
​​
Libertarian Nate Atkins 1 1,179 0.8%
​​
Democratic (DFL) Mark Globus 1 1,158 0.8%
​​
Socialist Workers Doug Nelson 1 739 0.5%
​​
For the People Jerrell Perry 1 687 0.5%
​​
Independence Mike Winter 1 642 0.4%
​​
Democratic (DFL) Christopher David 1 493 0.3%
​​
Independent Kevin Ward 1 282 0.2%
​​
Humanitarian-Community Paul Johnson 1 243 0.2%
​​
Democratic (DFL) Troy Benjegerdes 1 184 0.1%
​​
Write-in 1 145 0.1%
​​

Notes

  1. ^ The following candidates filed campaign finance reports with Hennepin County. Doug Nelson and Kevin Ward did not file a report, and thus are not listed.
Partisan clients
  1. ^ Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  2. ^ This poll was sponsored by All of Mpls, which supports Frey

See also

References

  1. ^ "Minneapolis-St. Paul Election Results". The New York Times. November 2, 2021.
  2. ^ Belz, Adam (January 3, 2017). "Council Member Jacob Frey announces bid for mayor of Minneapolis". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 7, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  3. ^ Belz, Adam (November 9, 2017). "Jacob Frey wins mayor election in Minneapolis". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  4. ^ "2017 Mayor Election Results Tabulation - Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services". vote.minneapolismn.gov. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  5. ^ Belz, Adam (November 9, 2017). "Jacob Frey wins mayor election in Minneapolis". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on February 4, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  6. ^ "Nate Atkins for Mayor". Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am "Mayoral election in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2021)".
  8. ^ "A.J. Awed joins race for Minneapolis mayor". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  9. ^ "Snapshot: Who's running for Minneapolis mayor and why".
  10. ^ "35 candidates later who will be the next Minneapolis mayor?". MSNBC.
  11. ^ "Troy Benjegerdes". LinkedIn.
  12. ^ "Meet Clint Conner —". clintconner2021.com. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  13. ^ "Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he's running for re-election". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021.
  14. ^ "Globus Announces for Mayor – Mark Globus". May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  15. ^ "Two activists are planning to do something novel when it comes to the debate over recreational marijuana in Minnesota: Debate". March 5, 2019.
  16. ^ "Paul Johnson for Minneapolis Mayor | Paul Johnson For Mayor | Minneapolis". Paul4Mpls. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  17. ^ "Ex-Rep. Kate Knuth jumps into Minneapolis mayoral race to take on Jacob Frey". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  18. ^ "Sheila for the People". Sheila for the People. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  19. ^ "GOP icons inspire Jeff Johnson's quest for Minnesota governor". Star Tribune.
  20. ^ "Who's running for mayor of Minneapolis? – Southside Pride".
  21. ^ "Field of 56 candidates for Minneapolis offices seeking DFL endorsements". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  22. ^ Tribune, Liz Navratil Star. "Divided left field of Minneapolis mayoral hopefuls have unified message: Don't rank Frey". Star Tribune.
  23. ^ a b c d e "Here's who has endorsed the frontrunners for Minneapolis Mayor". October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  24. ^ "Dr. Kate Knuth (@kateformpls) • Instagram photos and videos".
  25. ^ "Walz Endorses Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for Re-Election, Melvin Carter for St. Paul". July 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey confirms run for reelection".
  27. ^ a b "Rep. Omar endorses two candidates for Minneapolis mayor, urges voters to snub Frey". FOX 9. October 18, 2021.
  28. ^ "Dr. Kate Knuth on Instagram: "New Endorsement! 🧡 We are thrilled to have the endorsement of @go4esther. Esther is my State Rep, so this endorsement is extra special. I look forward to moving Minneapolis to a more equitable future, together!"".
  29. ^ "Minneapolis Mayor". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  30. ^ "Dr. Kate Knuth on Instagram: "🚨New Endorsement!🚨 We're happy to announce @ScottDibble's endorsement of our race! His work for marriage equality and on green legislation have helped Minneapolis thrive. Thank you!!"".
  31. ^ "Dr. Kate Knuth on Instagram: "New endorsement!!🧡 Thank you, Rep. Aisha Gomez for your dedication to environmental justice, housing, and equity. We are deeply grateful for your support!"".
  32. ^ "Here's who has endorsed the frontrunners for Minneapolis mayor".
  33. ^ "Endorsements".
  34. ^ Sheila for the People [@SheilaFTP] (October 31, 2021). "Sheila Nezhad will bring powerful and rigorous leadership to the executive role at City Hall. Sheila stands on a platform of justice and community engagement, and has demonstrated that a grassroots-powered campaign can go up against big money. https://t.co/6TMvv1NQSl" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ a b c Muzzy, Emalyn. "The "For the People" mayoral candidate Sheila Nezhad is running a "winnable" and community-oriented campaign".
  36. ^ "Nezhad, Sheila – LGBTQ Victory Fund". Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  37. ^ "NIAC Action endorses Sheila Nezhad for Minneapolis Mayor".
  38. ^ "Meet Our 2021 Candidates". #VOTEPROCHOICE. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  39. ^ "2021 Election Endorsements". Takeaction Mn.
  40. ^ Nate "Honey Badger" Atkins [@HB4mayor] (August 15, 2021). "A day of activism with Spike Cohen, yours truly, and (possibly) @Anthonywelti ! https://t.co/ceQe0IrRUX" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "Events | Nate "Honey Badger" Atkins for Mayor of Minneapolis". June 11, 2021.
  42. ^ Sharpe, Larry [@LarrySharpe] (August 12, 2021). "Libertarians Drinking Coffee LIVE: A "Honey Badger" for Mayor of Minneapolis? LP Candidate Nate Atkins discusses at 3pm ET. Livestream: Facebook/Twitter/YouTube. #LarrySharpe #libertarian #liberty #LDCL #minneapolis #honeybadger #LP #NateAtkins https://t.co/xnpOzTRBm8" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
  43. ^ "Legal Marijuana Now Party (LMN) - End Cannabis Prohibition". legalmarijuananow. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  44. ^ Atkins, Nate [@HB4mayor] (August 4, 2021). "Woot! I've officially been endorsed by the Legal Marijuana Now party! I'm very honored and grateful to receive their endorsement! #LegalizeIt #legalizemarijuana https://t.co/vmK5znTdQs" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
  45. ^ "Candidates".
  46. ^ "2021 Candidates". February 7, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  47. ^ Atkins, Nate [@HB4mayor] (July 1, 2021). "Incredibly honored and excited to have been endorsed by the @LPMisesCaucus! #takehumanaction #ThisIsTheWay #saveourcity https://t.co/Tul7oLexfx" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ "Four takeaways from the Minneapolis DFL's mayoral endorsement process". June 18, 2021.
  49. ^ "Campaign Finance Reporting System * version 2.2". www16.co.hennepin.mn.us. Archived from the original on October 30, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  50. ^ a b Minneapolis, City of (November 2, 2021). "2021 Mayor results". City of Minneapolis. Retrieved August 29, 2022.

External links

Official campaign websites
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