The DFL Ward 2 Endorsement Convention is this Saturday, May 3
Shelley Madore is seeking the DFL endorsement in Ward 2 this weekend. In a more functional party, that statement might be unremarkable. But the Minneapolis DFL has managed to complicate even the most basic part of the process: setting a date.
The convention date was changed multiple times—from May 3 to June 7, then June 1, before reverting back to May 3. A lawsuit now aims to uncover why the DFL violated its own rules in the process. This kind of maneuvering strengthens the case for eliminating caucuses and conventions in favor of a straightforward primary system.
The current Ward 2 Council Member, Robin Wonsley, a Democratic Socialist who is not seeking the DFL endorsement, has nonetheless been active in influencing the outcome. She understands that the endorsement could impact her reelection chances—and is working to prevent it from going to an opponent.
In an interview with the Minnesota Daily, Wonsley said:
“We had a handful of DFL leaders just say, ‘No, we’re going to pick a date, pick a location that excludes a large majority of our delegate base, including students and just working-class people, from fairly participating in that process.’ My campaign said immediately that’s unacceptable.”
Carol Becker, writing for the Minneapolis Times, reported:
"Despite not running for the DFL endorsement, Wonsley has been running an active campaign to turn out people to the caucuses and convention to block any DFL endorsement. This will make it easier for her to get reelected."
Wonsley is not acting alone. U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar has endorsed her over DFL candidates Shelley Madore and Michael Baskins. Omar is one of the highest-ranking Democrats in Minnesota. Her endorsement is notable given Wonsley’s affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America—a group whose platform diverges significantly from the DFL’s, advocating the abolition of capitalism, defunding the police, ending misdemeanor enforcement, and releasing all incarcerated individuals.
That Wonsley is not seeking the DFL endorsement is consistent with her platform. What’s harder to explain is why figures like Omar, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and County Commissioner Angela Conley—each prominent Democrats—are actively supporting her. Endorsing a candidate who openly opposes core elements of the DFL platform raises uncomfortable questions: Do these leaders share Wonsley’s goals of ending capitalism, defunding the police, and emptying prisons?
Will the Real DFL Member Please Stand Up?
In this context, it’s striking that Shelley Madore, a former DFL state legislator, would be denied a fair hearing by DFL insiders before the convention even occurs. If the DFL valued internal democracy, it would allow delegates to evaluate the candidates—Madore and Baskins—and decide who should carry the party banner.
Instead, when leaders like Omar and Ellison endorse before the convention, they send a clear message: party delegates’ voices don’t matter. They speak of grassroots democracy, but act as if party elites should make the decisions.
Today’s podcast features Shelley Madore so voters can hear directly from a DFL candidate seeking the endorsement. That seems a more democratic process than allowing behind-the-scenes influence to determine who’s even allowed to compete.
Here is an outline of the discussion topics covered in the interview with Shelly Madore, candidate for Minneapolis Ward 2 City Council:
I. Introduction and Background
Personal introduction and decision to run
Experience as a former DFL legislator in Apple Valley/Burnsville
Community activism, especially with disability advocacy
Work on transportation access and regional transit (35W Solutions Alliance)
II. Campaign Motivation and Vision
Dissatisfaction with current city council leadership and governance
Emphasis on basic services: 911 response, potholes, business support
Importance of restoring trust in city government
III. Ward 2 Overview
Key neighborhoods: Seward, Prospect Park, Cedar-Riverside, etc.
Strong neighborhood associations and community engagement
Demographic insights and low 2023 voter turnout
Hopes for increased engagement post-pandemic
IV. Top Policy Priorities
1. Public Safety
Student safety concerns near the University of Minnesota
Police staffing shortages and overtime reliance
Fire department taking over mental health response
Criticism of current budget handling and public safety outsourcing
Support for implementing DOJ consent decree reforms
2. Affordable Housing
Support for local landlords and maintaining housing stock
Need for better city enforcement and more housing inspectors
Lead abatement program concerns
Importance of housing diversity (starter rentals, move-up, senior living)
3. Economic Development
Revitalizing small business ecosystem (e.g., coffee shops, grocery access)
Encouraging tourism and local business growth
Reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses and landlords
Examples of code compliance challenges (e.g., toilet replacement)
V. Views on Current City Council Actions
Support for:
Renter ordinance requiring emergency contact info
Civil rights ordinance additions (social impact, height/weight discrimination)
Criticisms of:
Budget process and lack of oversight
Redundant spending and bypassing of city staff in funding allocations
Duplication of services already provided by Hennepin County
Overuse of consultants and lack of transparency
George Floyd Square delays and disagreements
VI. Relationship with Mayor Frey
Believes Frey deserves a third term
Appreciates efforts to bring in qualified staff
Open to collaboration and finding common ground
VII. Personal Interests and Closing
Enjoys cooking shows, especially "Beat Bobby Flay"
Making homemade ice cream
Exploring parks with her dog, Tommy
Belief in the importance of local, community-focused governance
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