MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis City Council has a massive overhaul after Tuesday's elections with more than half of the seats being occupied by new candidates.
Seven of the 13 wards will have new councilmembers after five incumbents lost their bids for re-election and two councilmembers didn't seek re-election, including the council's president Lisa Bender out of Ward 10.
The new members include Elliott Payne (Ward 1), Robin Wonsley Worlobah (Ward 2), Michael Rainville (Ward 3), LaTrisha Vetaw (Ward 4), Jason Chavez (Ward 9), Aisha Chughtai (Ward 10) and Emily Koski (Ward 11).
Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5), Jamal Osman (Ward 6), Lisa Goodman (Ward 7), Andrea Jenkins (Ward 8), Andrew Johnson (Ward 12) and Linea Palmisano (Ward 13) all retained their seats, making this the first time the majority of the council is made up of people of color.
Bender released a statement Wednesday, congratulating the winning candidates, and saying this year's election came at a "critical moment."
"This year’s election comes at a critical moment in our City’s history and at one step on a long path toward correcting the worst racial disparities in the country," the statement read. "For the first time in the City’s history, the Minneapolis City Council will be made up of a majority of members of color. Congratulations to the Mayor and to each candidate who won their elections. Thank you to everyone who stepped up as a candidate willing to serve."
UNOFFICIAL WINNERS
City Council Ward 1: Elliott Payne
City Council Ward 2: Robin Wonsley Worlobah
City Council Ward 3: Michael Rainville
City Council Ward 4: LaTrisha Vetaw
City Council Ward 5: Jeremiah Ellison (incumbent)
City Council Ward 6: Jamal Osman (incumbent)
City Council Ward 7: Lisa Goodman (incumbent)
City Council Ward 8: Andrea Jenkins (incumbent)
City Council Ward 9: Jason Chavez
City Council Ward 10: Aisha Chughtai
City Council Ward 11: Emily Koski
City Council Ward 12: Andrew Johnson (incumbent)
City Council Ward 13: Linea Palmisano (incumbent)