Taco ‘Bout Politics: Racket’s Exclusive Interview with Mayoral Candidate DeWayne Davis Over Mexican Cuisine

Welcome to another episode of Let’s Taco ‘Bout Politics! This series pairs tasty Mexican food with candid conversations about the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral race. Today, we’re excited to chat with Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis, who is running for mayor. He is a lead minister at Plymouth Congregational Church and has a rich background in public service.

About DeWayne Davis: Born in the Mississippi Delta as the 15th child of sharecroppers, Davis brings a unique perspective to leadership. After living in Washington, D.C., for ten years as a senior legislative assistant, he moved to Minneapolis in 2013. He has been actively involved in community safety initiatives and was the first candidate to announce his campaign for mayor last fall. Today, he enjoys a chicken quesadilla and chips with guacamole from Brito’s Burrito.

Experiencing Change: When asked why he wants to run for mayor, Davis highlights a need for transformation in Minneapolis. He believes the city has been stagnant, especially after traumatic events like George Floyd’s murder. Davis feels that the current leadership has not addressed the pressing issues facing the community. He stresses the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and creating a vision for healing and progress.

During his time as co-chair of the Community Safety Workgroup, community feedback inspired him to run. He wants to be a leader who empowers citizens and acknowledges the needs of the community, rather than one who feels comfortable in their position and ignores pressing issues.

On Collaboration: Davis emphasizes the need for collaboration between the mayor’s office and the City Council. He believes in viewing city officials as partners working towards common goals. Having experienced politics firsthand, he understands the importance of respect and cooperation in addressing the city’s challenges together.

Faith and Leadership: As a minister, Davis’ approach blends service with governance. He has witnessed both joy and hardship in people’s lives and believes in the inherent dignity of every individual. This perspective will shape his decisions as mayor, as he seeks to ensure that every action taken by the government has a positive impact on real lives. He aims to foster a culture of accountability and transparency, promising that he will work closely with council members and the community.

Addressing Housing Issues: When the conversation shifts to the unhoused population in Minneapolis, Davis firmly advocates for ending encampment sweeps. He believes there are more compassionate ways to address homelessness, stressing the need for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. Davis wants to invest in housing, mental health services, and community resources, suggesting that the city could use its influence and finances to better coordinate aid from various service providers.

What Makes Home: Davis shares that he enjoys the vibrant community around North Commons Park where he lives. He’s passionate about creating a sense of connection and belonging, whether through church events or neighborhood gatherings. He believes that a mayor should remind the community of its strengths and foster unity, especially after the challenges brought on by recent events.

Culinary Interests: When it comes to food, Davis has a light-hearted approach and enjoys trying different cuisines. He appreciates local food trucks and restaurants and relishes the chance to create traditional comfort foods like collard greens and sweet potato pie at home. For him, cooking is a way to celebrate community and tradition.

This conversation highlights Davis’s commitment to forging a connected and caring city. With his background in faith and public service, he aims to lead Minneapolis toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

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