In this interview, we explore the values and perspective of Mariam DeMello, a candidate for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 11. She begins by noting that she is not a political insider—and expressed surprise that, until recently, there was only one person running to replace outgoing Council Member Emily Koski.
DeMello’s opponent, Jamison Whiting, declined an interview request, stating that his focus is on the upcoming DFL convention on May 31. Prior to this conversation, we knew little about DeMello and were curious to hear what she stands for. Regardless of who secures the DFL endorsement, Ward 11 voters appear set to choose between two relatively moderate candidates—a rarity on the Minneapolis spectrum.
Race Update
One reason the Ward 11 race has remained under the radar is the absence of a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)–endorsed candidate. In contrast, wards where progressive moderates face challengers from the party’s further-left flank have attracted more scrutiny and urgency.
We spent much of May 10 at the Ward 7 DFL convention, held at Anwatin Middle School, providing live commentary for paid subscribers. The event was contentious. After a dispute over delegate seating, Elizabeth Shaffer secured the endorsement with just over 60% of the vote in the second round—earning 222 votes to Katie Cashman’s 142. Paula Chesley, who ran a strong campaign, received 23 votes in the first round before exiting the race and releasing her delegates—support that proved decisive in securing Shaffer’s victory.
The Ward 7 contest is likely the most closely watched in this election cycle. Cashman had prominent backers, including Keith Ellison and other DFL elite, who appeared at the convention wearing her campaign shirt. It remains to be seen whether he—and others who endorsed Cashman—will now stand behind the DFL-endorsed candidate.
Elsewhere, Michael Rainville received the Ward 3 endorsement with 74% of the vote, concluding his convention without controversy. In contrast, the Ward 7 proceedings dragged on for more than six hours. Frustrations over seating delays, hunger, and fatigue contributed to the tension in the room. The volunteers managing the convention performed admirably under difficult conditions. Still, the recurring disputes over delegate credentials suggest deeper flaws in the caucus and convention process. Reform is overdue.
During the Ward 7 event, we sent a note to DeMello encouraging her campaign to prepare for similar procedural conflicts. Every team needs someone fluent in DFL convention rules. Challenges will arise on the floor—plan for them.
One encouraging aspect of the conventions is the chance for neighbors to connect. These gatherings may breed political conflict, but they also bring together people who share the same city, even if not the same views.
“And” Versus “Or”
Shaffer’s win in Ward 7 strengthens the DFL’s more pragmatic wing. On May 31, we’ll see whether that momentum carries into Ward 10, where Lydia Millard is mounting a serious challenge to Aisha Chughtai.
A common thread running through these races is how candidates frame key issues: as matters of “and” or “or.” Many voters see DSA-aligned candidates as approaching politics through an either/or lens: either you fully support their platform, or you’re against them. This rigid thinking mirrors tactics seen in national politics—where disagreement is treated not as difference, but as betrayal.
The more pragmatic wing of the DFL tends to frame issues differently. They speak in terms of “and.” You can be a homeowner and still want rents to remain affordable. Many homeowners were once renters themselves—and have children, relatives, or friends who rent. You can be frustrated by rising property taxes and insurance premiums, and still want your neighbors to afford stable housing on a living wage.
The same applies to labor. You can want businesses to thrive and support unions that fight for healthcare, fair wages, and predictable schedules. You can advocate for “workers”—a term so broad it includes nearly everyone—and also stand with small business owners who want their employees and customers to feel safe. You can support police officers and also expect them to be well-trained, fair, and impartial when exercising their authority.
The real differences in Minneapolis politics are often differences of degree. But when those differences are framed as absolutes, they harden into ideology. That rigidity blocks progress. Either/or thinking creates an enemy class—those outside the group lose their individuality and become a target. The result is often needless cruelty and a level of political hostility that turns people away from public life.
As we enter five more months of campaigning, let’s hope the focus shifts to the ideas that will define Minneapolis for the next five years—and beyond. Our debates are necessary. Our differences are real. But solutions will only rise if we recognize that every resident has a stake in this city’s future. We all lose if this election divides us into camps that see one another as enemies.
Mariam DeMello Interview Summary
I. Introduction
Mariam introduces herself as a political outsider and lifelong Minneapolis resident.
Expresses love for Ward 11 and motivation to stay despite concerns about the city’s direction.
II. Background and Qualifications
Past roles with the City of Minneapolis: Regulatory Services, City Attorney’s Office.
Current role with Mayor Melvin Carter’s administration in St. Paul.
Charter Commission member.
Strong civic and legal background but no previous political office.
III. Motivations for Running
Concern over lack of aligned candidates.
Desire to protect and improve her community.
Decision prompted by observation of city governance and policy drift.
IV. Top Campaign Priorities
1. Public Safety
Advocates for responsive policing and adequate investigative staffing.
Personal story: best friend severely injured in hit-and-run; police lacked capacity to investigate properly.
Supports role for trained civilian investigators and non-police crisis response teams.
Highlights importance of street lighting and safety infrastructure.
Concerned about crime trends—especially among youth during summer.
Supports youth programs, violence prevention, and mentorship initiatives.
2. Housing and Property Taxes
Concern over rising property taxes and financial pressure on long-term homeowners.
Advocates for more efficient city spending before tax increases.
Frustrated with city mismanagement (e.g., double billing by nonprofits).
Emphasizes need to protect residents on fixed incomes.
3. Infrastructure and City Services
Basic services like street lighting, snow plowing, and rodent control are top of mind.
Mentions increase in rat sightings as evidence of failing infrastructure.
Calls for greater investment in core services and aging systems.
V. Views on City Council Actions
Supportive Policies
Applauds ban on rent-pricing algorithms.
Believes more enforcement is needed to make such policies effective.
Criticized Policies
Opposes Safe Outdoor Spaces ordinance, viewing it as normalizing homelessness rather than offering dignified housing.
Opposed to city resolutions on international issues like Gaza ceasefire—believes they are symbolic and waste city resources.
VI. Rent Control and Housing Solutions
Cautious about rent control based on experience in St. Paul.
Supports affordable housing but skeptical of overregulation that stifles development.
Advocates “sensible zoning” and selective multi-family development while preserving neighborhood character.
Suggests George Floyd Square redevelopment as an opportunity for housing with memorial elements.
VII. Relationship with Mayor Frey
Supports Frey for a third term.
Acknowledges past disagreements (e.g., slow National Guard deployment).
Praises his work on staffing, police recruitment, and retention.
VIII. Summer Activities and Personal Interests
Enjoys biking, rollerblading, and spending time in parks (especially Nokomis).
Mentions fall while rollerblading and safety gear.
Speaks fondly of Uptown, supports revitalization efforts, and shops locally.
IX. Campaign Operations
Entirely volunteer-run campaign.
Relies on grassroots support and is cautious about endorsements with conditions.
X. Fundraising and Endorsements
Dislikes the influence of money in politics.
Endorsed by Women Winning.
Expresses concern about campaign finance and pressure from donors/unions.
Advocates for public financing or matching systems like New York's.
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