Jacob Frey

Jacob Frey is an American politician serving as the 48th Mayor of Minneapolis, having taken office in January 2018. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he previously served on the Minneapolis City Council representing the Third Ward. His tenure has been defined by ambitious housing initiatives, navigating the profound civic crisis following the murder of George Floyd, and a contentious but successful re-election campaign.

Early life and education

Jacob Frey was born in Oakton, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., and was raised in the nearby community of Vienna, Virginia. He attended James Madison High School where he was a standout distance runner, a talent that would later fund his higher education. Frey earned an athletic scholarship to the College of William & Mary, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. He subsequently pursued a Juris Doctor degree from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, during which time he also ran professionally for the Team USA Minnesota distance running program.

Early career

Before entering politics, Frey worked as a civil rights attorney at the Minneapolis law firm Halunen & Associates, focusing on cases involving workplace discrimination and police misconduct. His legal career and community advocacy provided a foundation for his first political campaign. In 2013, he was elected to the Minneapolis City Council, representing the Third Ward which includes neighborhoods like North Loop and Northeast Minneapolis. On the council, he championed policies related to affordable housing, earned sick leave, and a $15 minimum wage, establishing a progressive profile.

Mayor of Minneapolis

Frey was elected Mayor of Minneapolis in the 2017 Minneapolis mayoral election, defeating incumbent Betsy Hodges and several other candidates. His administration has prioritized housing development, launching the "Minneapolis 2040" comprehensive plan which included the controversial elimination of single-family zoning to promote density. He has also focused on economic development projects, climate action, and public safety reforms, though these efforts were dramatically overshadowed by the events of 2020. Frey has worked closely with the Minneapolis City Council, the Hennepin County government, and regional bodies like the Metropolitan Council.

2020 George Floyd protests

The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020 triggered widespread protests and civil unrest in the city. Frey's leadership was intensely scrutinized during the crisis, particularly after the City Council pledged to "dismantle" the police department, a move he did not support. His decision to allow the Third Precinct police building to be overrun and set ablaze was heavily criticized. The period saw massive deployment of the Minnesota National Guard, coordination with Governor Tim Walz, and a visit from President Donald Trump.

2021 re-election campaign

The 2021 Minneapolis mayoral election became a referendum on Frey's handling of public safety and police reform following the George Floyd protests. He faced significant challenges from opponents like Sheila Nezhad and Kate Knuth, who advocated for more radical police restructuring. The election, conducted via ranked-choice voting, was highly contentious, with Frey defending his record on housing and economic recovery while promoting a public safety plan that rejected abolition. He ultimately secured re-election, though with a diminished plurality, reflecting the city's deep political divisions.

Political positions

Frey identifies as a progressive Democrat within the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. His key policy positions include expansive affordable housing initiatives, strong climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement, and support for a $15 minimum wage. On public safety, he advocates for increased police accountability and alternative response models but opposes abolishing the Minneapolis Police Department. He has also been a vocal supporter of organized labor, LGBT rights, and protecting DACA recipients.