hi! i’m Jazz hampton.
Hi, neighbor. My name is Jazz Hampton, and I’m running to become your next Mayor.
People have asked me why I am running. In truth, I am not running against anyone. I am running for our city.
Minneapolis is more than just where I live — it’s a part of who I am. From high school to college, law school and beyond, I have moved around the Twin Cities, but I've been within 10 miles of Powderhorn Park for my entire life.
I believe that we deserve a government that works for us and with us. We need new leadership and fresh ideas to deliver on the promise of a thriving Minneapolis.
And that’s exactly what I bring to the table — years of experience fighting for justice, equity, safety, and opportunity.
When I saw injustice in the legal system, I became a public defender in law school. Later, I joined the Great North Innocence Project, where I successfully fought for a Minneapolis man’s freedom after he was wrongfully convicted and served 19 years behind bars. As an attorney, I led equity initiatives to break down barriers for others like me. When I witnessed the scale of our affordable housing crisis, I joined an organization that delivers affordable housing, provides emergency shelter, and offers mental healthcare to those in need.
When George Floyd was murdered, I protested and helped clean up Lake Street. But that alone was not enough. I proudly co-founded TurnSignl, an app that instantly connects drivers with attorneys nationwide during traffic stops to ensure their rights are protected and everyone gets home safely.
When I saw that less than 5% of teachers in our state are Black men, I became an adjunct professor to ensure more diverse voices in education.
Beyond that, my wife and I have kids in Minneapolis Public Schools. We know the importance of supporting educators and uplifting students, especially those who are marginalized. All these experiences are among the many that have prepared me to lead our city… a city I love.
For the past several years, our city has experienced civil unrest and calls for reform. Once vibrant areas are facing serious challenges. Our city is unsteadily bouncing back from a global pandemic, and our residents, workers, and visitors do not consistently feel safe.
Meanwhile, our city's government has been stuck in a cycle of gridlock, with leaders consumed by division instead of generating momentum. It’s time to introduce something new: the kind of person who embraces challenges and looks for solutions that serve the needs of their constituents.
Unlike others in this race, I’m not part of the established local government. That means I’m not starting with a massive campaign fund, accumulated over many years, and the slate of endorsements and obligations that go along with it.
What I’m running is a people-oriented campaign — we’re focused on listening, connecting, and proving for the people of Minneapolis.
I’ll say it again — I am not running against anyone. I’m running for our city. That means I am running for you!