The FFRF Action Fund is pleased to endorse DeWayne Davis in his bid to be the mayor of Minneapolis.
Davis is an ordained minister at Plymouth Congregational Church, a noncreedal church, meaning that members are not required to adhere to any specific belief or faith. Davis asserts that he welcomes all freethinkers and nonbelievers in his work and that he “embodies separation” of state and church and “embraces all differences.”
Davis staunchly opposes the use of faith and religion in forming government decisions. He does not want his faith to be brought into any political discussions. He routinely testifies before the Minnesota Legislature, urging lawmakers to keep the church and religion out of legislative decisions in cases such as LGBTQ-plus issues and forced prayer in schools. Every time Davis has testified, he has done so against the use of religion in the public sphere.
Minneapolis serves as a sanctuary city for the transgender community, immigrants and refugees. As mayor, Davis would continue to fight for these protections. If elected, Davis would be the first openly LGBTQ-plus mayor of Minneapolis. Davis will prioritize LGBTQ-plus issues while in office, such as fighting conversion therapy, protecting LGBTQ-plus students and challenging book bans rooted in hatred of the LGBTQ-plus community.
Davis aligns with the values of the FFRF Action Fund and stands on the right side of our issues. He will be a strong secular star for Minneapolis who fights for the separation of state and church.
Minneapolis’ mayoral race is a ranked-choice election and is nonpartisan. Davis is running against incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey and three other candidates, including a Minnesota state senator. FFRF sent a legal complaint letter to Frey in 2023 after the incumbent mayor signed an ordinance into law allowing the public broadcast of an amplified call to prayer at any time of day throughout the year. The situation was not resolved satisfactorily.
In addition to his work as a clergy member, Davis collaborates with various nonprofits to address issues such as HIV prevention and housing support for individuals with HIV. Previously, he worked on the Hill as a senior legislative assistant for three different Congress members. He also worked with Frey in 2020, leading a police reform initiative following the murder of George Floyd. Win or lose, Davis plans to stay in the city and remain active in political and civic life.
The FFRF Action Fund joins the Victory Fund, multiple former Minneapolis City Council members and others in endorsing Davis.
Please learn more about Davis by visiting his campaign website.