There's one less candidate in the Minneapolis mayor's race.
Minneapolis City Council member Emily Koski announced Monday morning that she will not continue her bid to unseat current Mayor Jacob Frey, saying under the current political climate she can't "be her authentic self and be a candidate."
In a written statement, she also lamented the influence of anonymous donors and political action committees which she says are diverting focus the real issues. Koski adds the balance of being a mother and a candidate to represent the largest city in Minnesota was too much.
Koski says she plans to continue representing Ward 11, which encompasses much of south-central Minneapolis.
The race features State Senator Omar Fateh (DFL) and State Senate Chaplain Dwayne Davis along with incumbent Frey, and so far Koski had failed to gain much traction, trailing those three in campaing fundraising.
Koski had been critical of Frey, who vetoed the council's proposed budget last year, a first for the city. Koski claimed Frey was not the leader Minneapolis needed and entered the race shortly after that.
Frey recently told WCCO's Chad Hartman he would likely end his political career after a third term if he is elected this November.
Koski, a lifelong resident of Minneapolis, was first elected as Ward 11 Council Member in the 2021 Elections and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.
Minneapolis used a ranked choice voting system where voters rank their top three candidates. Election Day in 2025 will be November 4th.