Jacob Frey
Jacob Lawrence Frey (/fraɪ/ FRY; born July 23, 1981) is an American politician and attorney who has served as the mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota since 2018. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, he served on the Minneapolis City Council from 2014 to 2018.
Jacob Frey | |
|---|---|
Frey in 2021 | |
| 48th Mayor of Minneapolis | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Betsy Hodges |
| Member of the Minneapolis City Council from the 3rd ward | |
| In office January 2, 2014 – January 2, 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Diane Hofstede |
| Succeeded by | Steve Fletcher |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jacob Lawrence Frey July 23, 1981 Oakton, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Michelle Lilienthal
(m. 2009; div. 2014)Sarah Clarke (m. 2016) |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | College of William and Mary (BA) Villanova University (JD) |
| Signature | |
Born and raised in Virginia, Frey attended the College of William & Mary on a track and field scholarship. Graduating with a degree in government, he went on to attend law school at Villanova University. While at Villanova, Frey became a professional distance runner. Competing in marathons across the country, he was a member of Team USA at the 2007 Pan American Games.
After law school, Frey moved to Minneapolis to work as an employment discrimination and civil rights lawyer. Before entering politics, he was also a community organizer. Frey was elected to the Minneapolis City Council in 2013, representing Ward 3. Serving only one term, he ran for mayor in 2017, defeating incumbent Betsy Hodges. He was reelected in 2021.
Frey's political positions are considered progressive. He has supported affordable housing initiatives, enacting police reform, addressing climate change, and fostering economic inclusion.