Andrea Jenkins loses DFL nod for Minneapolis City Council

City Council President Andrea Jenkins, the first transgender candidate to win DFL backing in a Minneapolis council election when she first ran in 2017, has failed to get the party's endorsement this year.

Soren Stevenson, who is considered more liberal than the comparatively moderate Jenkins, earned the party endorsement during a virtual convention Saturday.

"Today's results are not what we worked hard for," Jenkins said in a statement. "I will continue to fight for equity, transparency and progress for the people of Ward 8 and be your champion and voice for a stronger Minneapolis."

All 13 City Council seats will be on the ballot in November.

The formal candidate filing period doesn't start until Aug. 1, but many candidates have begun — and ended — their campaigns.

Much of the effort has surrounded seeking the endorsement of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party — an important seal of approval in an overwhelmingly Democratic city.

Legally, endorsements mean nothing. The city's ranked-choice voting elections are technically nonpartisan, and candidates need not seek or abide by any party endorsements to appear on the ballot.

This list will be updated as news happens. Here's where endorsements stood Saturday:

First Ward

Incumbent Council Member Elliot Payne has secured the DFL endorsement.

Second Ward

No endorsement was made at its convention in April.

That's the outcome sought by incumbent Robin Wonsley, who is running as an independent.

Third Ward

Incumbent Michael Rainville secured the endorsement in April over challenger Conrad Zbikowski, who said he would abide by the endorsement and end his campaign. Candidate Marcus Mills has said he'll continue his campaign.

Fourth Ward

Incumbent LaTrisha Vetaw secured the endorsement.

Fifth Ward

The convention was canceled in early May amid accusations of impropriety, and there will be no DFL endorsement in this race.

Incumbent Jeremiah Ellison is being challenged by Victor Martinez. A number of Martinez's delegates were thrown out by the party when he failed to produce paperwork to support his online-registered delegates. Martinez denied doing anything wrong. Both candidates requested the convention be canceled.

Sixth Ward

The virtual convention Saturday promised to be filled with drama — and it was.

The convention was recessed for lack of a Somali interpreter, party officials said, with an intent to reconvene June 3.

Incumbent Jamal Osman faced several challengers, and allegations of shenanigans swirled around one of them.

Candidate Kayseh Magan has accused candidate Tiger Worku of falsely signing up delegates, including statements by some of Worku's claimed delegates that they're Republicans and never signed up for any DFL-related activities. Worku has denied the allegation. The matter was expected to be litigated during the convention.

Candidate Abdirizak Bihi dropped out of the race this month.

Seventh Ward

The virtual convention ended Sunday without an endorsement, party officials said, after multiple ballots failed to produce enough votes for an endorsement for either of the top two candidates, Scott Graham and Katie Cashman. It was among two races for a vacant seat. Lisa Goodman, who has served 25 years on the council, isn't seeking re-election.

Others seeking the DFL endorsement included Kenneth Foxworth and Mark Globus.

Eighth Ward

The convention, held virtually Saturday, was being closely watched across the city, as Jenkins faced a stiff challenge from Stevenson, who gained prominence after losing an eye to police-fired projectiles while protesting the murder of George Floyd.

Jenkins is generally aligned with the moderate narrow majority on the City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey, while Stevenson, who has been endorsed by the Twin Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, is further left.

Stevenson announced he won the endorsement Saturday: "It's clear that Ward 8 is ready for new leadership to bring about real transformational change," he said in a tweet.

Jenkins, who earned the DFL endorsement in 2017 and again in 2021, said she will stay in the race.

Ninth Ward

Incumbent Jason Chavez secured the DFL endorsement in April.

10th Ward

Its convention on May 13 infamously descended into chaos when supporters of challenger Nasri Warsame stormed the stage as incumbent Aisha Chughtai prepared to speak.

Technically, the convention remains in recess. No decision has been made on the next step, but many DFL leaders have said they hope it will reconvene in some fashion.

11th Ward

Incumbent Emily Koski won the endorsement at the virtual convention Sunday, turning back a challenge from Rebecca Donley.

12th Ward

Aurin Chowdhury secured the endorsement in April over several candidates vying to the open seat held by Andrew Johnson, who is not seeking re-election.

At least two of Chowdhury's opponents, Luther Ranheim and Nancy Ford, have said they will remain in the race.

13th Ward

Incumbent Linea Palmisano secured the endorsement in April over challenger Kate Mortenson, who said she's staying in the race.