Minneapolis is at a crossroads. With the mayoral election approaching, three challengers sat down for a one-hour roundtable debate unlike any other — no stump speeches, no canned talking points, just a candid conversation around the dinner table.

From the role of money in politics, to the future of ranked-choice voting, to deep frustrations about racial inequities and North Minneapolis, this is a raw look at the candidates who want to replace Jacob Frey.

Omar Fateh — the leading challenger — was invited but did not attend, leaving an empty chair and questions about his record.

Watch this to hear unfiltered perspectives on the biggest issues facing Minneapolis.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & Empty Chair: Why Omar Fateh didn’t show up

01:10 – Setting the stage: A dinner table debate, not another forum

05:00 – Who are you ranking #2? The games of ranked-choice voting

15:00 – Narratives of crisis: Is Minneapolis “at the bottom of the barrel”?

25:00 – Policing, safety, and the city’s trust deficit

35:00 – The role of money: Jacob Frey’s massive fundraising advantage

45:00 – Political identity: race, representation, and the mayor’s role

55:30 – The question I would have asked Omar Fateh about Uber/Lyft

01:00:00 – Closing thoughts: Leadership, trust, and who actually runs this city