Opinion | A note of gratitude to the candidates in the Minneapolis mayoral race

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I recently attended a mayoral debate hosted by the African American Leadership Forum, held at the Capri Theater. As I left that evening, I found myself struck by an unexpected realization: Minneapolis is genuinely fortunate to have the caliber of candidates running for mayor this year.

This might seem like an unpopular opinion in a contentious election season. But hear me out.

Consider Mayor Jacob Frey. Love him or criticize his politics — many do — but look at what he has endured. Death threats. Relentless criticism. A simple scroll through social media reveals the vitriol directed at him daily. Yet he has chosen to throw his hat back in the ring. That takes a particular kind of courage, regardless of whether you agree with his vision for the city.

Then there’s Omar Fateh, a successful state senator and new father who has unfortunately faced the ugliness of racism and xenophobia during his campaign. He’s been an unrelenting voice for change.

DeWayne Davis’ life story deserves a biopic, but more important, he brings the common sense and clarity of a pastor combined with a genuine orientation toward policy and the mechanics of government.

And Brenda Short, the candidate who shows up, day after day, event after event, pushing on issues that demand attention.

Each of these candidates has chosen a difficult path in service of their community.

This matters more than we often acknowledge. Being mayor of Minneapolis is not lucrative. It is not easy. It is decidedly not for the faint of heart. No matter who wins this election, a significant portion of the city will be disappointed. These candidates know this. They are running anyway.

As I have become more engaged in local politics this year — attending multiple debates, serving as a delegate at the DFL convention and sitting down with candidates for coffee — I have been struck repeatedly by the same thought: Our city is lucky. We have candidates with diversity of experience, perspective and vision. We have people who genuinely care about the city’s future, not just the position itself.

Minneapolis deserves elections where the bar is set this high. So does every city.

That is something for each of us to be grateful for, regardless of how we cast your vote.