Progressives keep 7–6 edge on Minneapolis council; veto overrides no longer possible
Progressive-aligned candidates won seven of 13 Minneapolis City Council seats, preserving a narrow majority but losing a veto‑proof supermajority after a moderate pickup in Ward 7; all races are now decided, including Ward 5 where Tinitha “Pearll” Warren prevailed in a ranked‑choice second round. Mayor Jacob Frey and council leaders say the result will require more negotiation on issues like public safety and the budget, and the new council will be sworn in January for a four‑year term.
📌 Key Facts
- All 13 Minneapolis City Council races are decided; progressives (running as Minneapolis for the Many/MFTM) hold a 7–6 majority but have lost their veto‑proof bloc, so the council can no longer override mayoral vetoes.
- The pivotal pickup that broke the veto‑proof bloc occurred when Ward 7 incumbent Katie Cashman lost to a moderate challenger (reported as Elizabeth Shaffer).
- Ward 5 was decided in a ranked‑choice second round: Tinitha “Pearll” Warren, backed by moderates/All of Minneapolis, had about 38% of first‑choice votes and surpassed 50% after transfers; she will replace outgoing Council Member Jeremiah Ellison.
- Slate and composition details: MFTM won 7 seats (four of them DSA‑supported; six of the seven MFTM winners were incumbents) and All of Minneapolis (AOM) won 6 seats; overall nine incumbents prevailed and four newcomers will take office in January.
- The new council will be sworn in January and serve a four‑year term.
- Background: the prior veto‑proof progressive bloc had used its supermajority to override Mayor Frey on several measures (including a 2024 ceasefire resolution, rideshare minimum‑wage and carbon‑emissions fee votes, the 2024 budget and a George Floyd Square pedestrian‑mall study).
- Post‑election reactions: Mayor Jacob Frey called for a “reset” and said losing the veto‑proof bloc means leaders will need to work together; Council President Elliott Payne blamed heavy outside corporate and super PAC spending for the results, Council Member Linea Palmisano said voters are “sick of gridlock,” and Council Member Jamal Osman said he will continue to be a pivotal swing vote.
- All of Minneapolis PAC leader Jacob Hill said, per the PAC’s assessment, that Mayor Frey now has six strong allies on the council.
📰 Sources (6)
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey suggests ‘reset’ with newly elected City Council
New information:
- Mayor Jacob Frey publicly calls for a 'reset' with the new City Council and says loss of a veto-proof bloc means 'we’ll have to work together again to get things done.'
- Council President Elliott Payne blames 'unprecedented' spending by corporate interests and super PACs for Frey’s win and says voters want a strong council to check executive power.
- Council Member Linea Palmisano says voters are 'sick of gridlock' and want the mayor and council to come together as a governing body.
- Council Member Jamal Osman told supporters on election night he will 'continue to be a swing vote,' underscoring his pivotal role in the 7–6 council.
- Jacob Hill of the All of Minneapolis PAC says Frey now has six strong allies on the council (per the PAC’s assessment).
Pro-Fateh group wins majority on Minneapolis City Council as Frey secures third term
New information:
- Breakdown by slates: Minneapolis for the Many (MFTM) won 7 seats vs. All of Minneapolis (AOM) with 6 seats.
- Only one incumbent lost: Ward 7’s Katie Cashman (MFTM‑backed) lost to AOM‑backed Elizabeth Shaffer.
- RCV detail: 12 of 13 races were decided in the first round; Ward 5 advanced to a second round where AOM‑backed Pearll Warren prevailed.
- Composition details: four MFTM winners are DSA‑supported; six of the seven MFTM winners are incumbents; overall, 9 incumbents won and 4 newcomers will take office in January.
Progressives hold majority on Minneapolis City Council, lose power to override vetoes
New information:
- Ward 7 detail: Incumbent progressive Katie Cashman lost to moderate Shelley Madore, the pickup that removed the veto-proof bloc.
- Context of prior veto overrides: ceasefire resolution (Feb 2024), rideshare minimum wage (Mar 2024), carbon-emissions fees (Oct 2024), 2024 budget (Dec 2024), George Floyd Square pedestrian-mall study (Feb, following year).
- Quote from Minneapolis Downtown Council CEO Adam Duininck on expectations for building consensus on public safety under the new council.
- Procedural note: The new council will be sworn in January and will serve a four-year term, the first in nearly a decade.
Final Minneapolis City Council race called, handing moderates victory in Ward 5
New information:
- Tinitha “Pearll” Warren declared winner in Minneapolis Ward 5 after ranked-choice second‑round tally.
- Warren had 38% of first‑choice votes and surpassed 50% after second‑round allocations.
- She will replace outgoing Council Member Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5).
- All 13 City Council races are now decided; progressives won seven seats — a majority but not veto‑proof.
- Warren was backed by moderate factions within the DFL.
Minnesota election results: Roundup of 2025 local races
New information:
- Reporting that the prior progressive veto‑proof bloc on the Minneapolis City Council has been broken.
- Ward 7: Incumbent Katie Cashman lost; Elizabeth Shaffer won the seat.
- Ward 5 remains too close to call and will go to a second ballot; three new council members so far.