Statement from the Minnesota Young DFL on CBRC Decision

St. Paul – The Minnesota Young DFL is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules Committee (CBRC) to revoke the Minneapolis DFL’s endorsement of Senator Omar Fateh for mayor. Our organization proudly endorsed Senator Fateh because of his track record of fighting for working people, young Minnesotans, and communities too often left out of politics. This decision only further alienates the very same voters the DFL needs to win back in order to be successful in the 2026 midterm elections.

This decision blatantly disregards the will of the delegates at the Minneapolis DFL Convention, who voted overwhelmingly to endorse Senator Fateh for Mayor and chose not to redo the first ballot multiple times.

MYDFL will continue to support our DFL-endorsed candidates for the Minneapolis Park Board. These candidates represent the grassroots work of delegates and activists, and we remain committed to helping them succeed this November.

We remain committed to supporting young people and progressive leaders in the DFL, and we know that Senator Fateh will continue to be a champion for our shared values regardless of this decision. Our work continues, and we will keep organizing to make sure young Minnesotans have a voice in shaping the future of our state and our party.

— Minnesota Young DFL

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Minnesota Young DFL Elects New Leadership Slate

St. Paul, MN — August 2, 2025 The Minnesota Young Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (MYDFL) is proud to announce a new slate of leaders elected at its annual statewide convention. Delegates from across Minnesota came together to chart the course for the year ahead, selecting bold, forward-thinking leaders committed to organizing young people and driving progressive change.

The newly elected leadership team will focus on expanding youth participation in politics, advocating for progressive policies, and mobilizing young voters in every region of the state ahead of the critical 2026 election cycle.

“Our new team represents the energy, vision, and values of young Minnesotans,” said incoming MYDFL President Kavya Nair. “Together, we’ll ensure that young voices aren’t just part of the conversation — we’re leading it.”

“We’re organizing a new generation of leadership to fight and win,” added incoming Executive Vice President Logan Kortgard. “This presidential administration is failing young people on affordability, justice, and opportunity. MYDFL is stepping up to listen, organize, and take action across Minnesota.”

2025–2026 MYDFL Leadership Team

• President: Kavya Nair

• Executive Vice President: Logan Kortgard

• Secretary: Brian Swancutt

• Treasurer: Barrett Edwards

• Vice President for Operations: Chelsea Sheldon

• Vice President for Outreach, Inclusion, and Recruitment: Dylan Lauer

• Vice President for Greater Minnesota: Sam Weston

• Vice President for the Twin Cities: Charlie St Dennis

• Political Director: Charlie Schmit

• Advocacy Director: Cati Gomez

• Communications Director: Rudy Meyer

• National Committee Representatives: Sreeja Thirukkovalur & Quentin Wathum-Ocama

• Directors At-Large: Ben Hackett, Ayana Smith-Kooiman, Brady Sternberg, and Jacinda Kurian

  
  

In addition to electing new leadership, delegates passed key constitutional changes aimed at strengthening youth organizing statewide. Notably, MYDFL took steps to formally incorporate the Minnesota High School Democrats under its umbrella and clarified how it collaborates with College Democrats chapters — building a stronger pipeline of young leaders from high school to college and beyond.

For more information about MYDFL, upcoming programs, or how to get involved, visit youngdfl.org.

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