What the rise of Omar Fateh and Zohran Mamdani reveals about the Democratic party’s internal struggle

Zohran Mamdani

First came Zohran Mamdani in New York. Now Omar Fateh in Minneapolis. Both are young, Democratic Socialists with bold platforms and grassroots energy. Their success is forcing the Democratic Party to reckon with a growing ideological split—one that could reshape its identity heading into the 2026 midterms.

Fateh’s endorsement stirs the waters in Minneapolis Omar Fateh, a Minnesota state senator, recently secured the local Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s endorsement for mayor—ousting moderate incumbent Jacob Frey in the process. Fateh, who has called for rent control and higher wages, framed the endorsement as a sign that voters want action, not empty promises. But the result was controversial: Governor Tim Walz quickly endorsed Frey, warning that Fateh’s progressive platform could alienate voters in other parts of the state.

Republican response and centrist anxiety Republicans, including strategist Karl Rove, were quick to react. On Fox News, Rove welcomed the rise of figures like Mamdani and Fateh, arguing that they make it harder for Democrats to win back centrist voters. Within the party, national leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have been notably silent about Mamdani, reflecting a broader discomfort with the left’s growing influence—particularly over issues like Israel and Gaza.

A generational shift in Democratic politics Pollster Doug Schoen called this moment a “generational changeover,” saying the energy in the party now lies with progressives. Justice Democrats, the group that helped launch candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also sees 2026 as a turning point. Spokesman Usamah Andrabi predicted a primary season full of new voices and grassroots momentum. “We need leaders who excite voters,” he said, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Fateh’s personal story and legislative track record Born in Washington, D.C., to Somali immigrants, Fateh grew up in Virginia before moving to Minneapolis. He worked in various government jobs before winning a state Senate seat in 2020. In office, he pushed for tuition-free college for lower-income families and higher pay for rideshare drivers. His supporters say he offers a clear alternative to establishment politics.

Local dynamics and national implications In New York, Mamdani benefited from voter fatigue with scandal-hit figures like Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo. In Minneapolis, the legacy of George Floyd’s death and frustration with Frey’s leadership created an opening for Fateh. Both candidates have centred their platforms on affordability—whether through rent freezes or free public transport—and both have strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “genocide.”

What this means for Democrats in 2026 The Democratic Party is at a crossroads. Candidates like Mamdani and Fateh may not represent the majority, but they are drawing crowds, headlines, and endorsements. Whether they succeed—or spark a backlash—could determine the party’s tone, leadership, and direction in the next election cycle.