Why I’m Running
I am DeWayne Davis: a minister, husband, policy advocate, professor, and proud resident of North Minneapolis. Over eleven years ago, my family moved to Minneapolis to serve a congregation seeking a pastor dedicated to building a thriving community. From the very first day we arrived, we encountered that aspiration. People striving to bring the power and promise of democracy to those who have been ignored, dismissed, and left behind.
“We need a politics that recognizes the inherent dignity of every person, a government that provides them with the opportunity to live fully, and an economy that improves their quality of life. I’m running to make sure that our residents are safe from violence.”
I am running to serve as the next Mayor of Minneapolis to bring that kind of power and promise to every corner of the city. The people of Minneapolis need a city government that works for everyone, no matter where they live, work, or worship. I’m running because our city’s current leadership seems to be motivated by gaining personal political advantage by exacerbating our problems rather than solving them and making lives better for the people. I’m running because the challenges we face require a different kind of politics. We need a politics that recognizes the inherent dignity of every person, a government that provides them with the opportunity to live fully, and an economy that improves their quality of life. I’m running to make sure that our residents are safe from violence.
I’m running to be a bridge builder in a divided city. Minneapolis is quickly becoming a city of haves and have-nots, and the number of have-nots is increasing. That wasn’t always our history. I know what it’s like to come from a community where half the population is left behind. I was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta. My parents were sharecroppers who fought against Jim Crow and who poured themselves into me. They didn’t have much, but what they had, they shared. They knew their fates were tied to the rest of the community. They modeled that kind of commitment to the welfare and well-being of all people, inspiring me to a life of public service and building a beloved community. Theirs are the values that Minneapolis needs in its Mayor if we are serious about creating an equitable city. Our fates are connected.
Throughout my entire adult life, I’ve urged the government to serve all people. I was such a consistent presence at the Capitol advocating for affordable housing, accessible healthcare, civil rights for the LGBT community, and reproductive healthcare that legislators appointed me as the Senate Chaplain in 2023. Now, I’m making my case to you, the citizens of Minneapolis, to be your next mayor.
My campaign is grounded in three themes: Dignity, Opportunity, and Safety.
EVERY single one of us deserves a dignified, affordable, and accessible place to call home. We need a city economy that fights for workers, living wages, and strong union jobs. Children, adults, and seniors need to safely move about the city when and how they choose, free from gun violence and respected by every law enforcement officer.
We need to turn the page in the City’s leadership. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the politics of division. I’m running to build bridges and mend our communities. I’m willing to take on any good idea. Even when I disagree, I’ll find common ground in our desire to work for the people. With your support, we will bring the power and promise of democracy and community to every corner of the city.
