Jacob Frey is an American politician, attorney, and public servant who has served as the Mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota, since 2018. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), he is known for his work on affordable housing, police reform, and urban development. Frey first won the mayor’s office in 2017, was reelected in 2021, and in 2025 announced his bid for a third and final term. His leadership has been tested by events such as the George Floyd protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing debates over policing, zoning, and homelessness.
Jacob Frey Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Jacob Lawrence Frey |
| Date of Birth | July 23, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Mayor, Politician, Attorney, Former Athlete |
| Hometown | Oakton, Virginia, USA |
| Current Residence | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Instagram ID | @jacobfrey1 |
| X ID | @Jacob_Frey |
Physical Details
| Field | Details |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Jacob Frey Early Life
Jacob Frey was born in Oakton, Virginia, on July 23, 1981, to a Jewish family of Russian descent. Both of his parents were ballet dancers, with his father also working as an acrobat. Frey grew up with his younger brother, Jamie, in a suburban environment where sports played a central role.
Athletics shaped much of his early life—he excelled in track and field, earning a college scholarship. His upbringing blended discipline, community values, and Jewish traditions. He was first drawn to Minneapolis after running a marathon there, an experience that influenced his decision to eventually move to the city.
Jacob Frey Education
Frey attended Oakton High School, where he built his foundation as a track runner. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William & Mary in 2004, supported by a track scholarship. During this time, he also competed as a professional distance runner.
He pursued law at Villanova University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2009. His studies combined with his athletics instilled both academic discipline and resilience, preparing him for future work as a lawyer and public official.
Jacob Frey Family
Jacob Frey’s personal life has seen both changes and milestones. He married Michelle Lilienthal in 2009, but the couple divorced in 2014. In 2016, he married Sarah Clarke, a lobbyist who represents nonprofits and businesses in Minnesota. Together, they have two children: daughter Frida Jade Frey (born in 2020) and a second child born in July 2025.
The family practices Reform Judaism and attends Temple Israel synagogue in Minneapolis. Frey often shares glimpses of his family life, balancing fatherhood with his demanding career.
Jacob Frey Career
Jacob Frey began his professional career as an employment and civil rights attorney, working first at Faegre & Benson LLP (2009–2011) and later at Halunen & Associates. Alongside law, he became active in community organizing, most notably raising over $250,000 in 2011 through the Big Gay Race to support marriage equality.
In 2013, Frey was elected to the Minneapolis City Council (Ward 3), defeating an incumbent with over 60% of the vote. On the council, he prioritized affordable housing, sustainability, and labor rights, including paid sick leave and wage increases.
In 2017, he successfully ran for Mayor of Minneapolis, defeating Betsy Hodges. Sworn in on January 2, 2018, he became one of the city’s youngest mayors and only its second Jewish mayor. His tenure has included high-profile challenges, especially the 2020 murder of George Floyd, when Minneapolis became the center of international protests. Frey supported police reform and the firing of officers involved but resisted calls to abolish the police, which led to public criticism.
He was reelected in 2021 under a new strong-mayor system, focusing on economic recovery and housing. His administration pushed the Minneapolis 2040 plan, ending single-family zoning to increase housing density, and also supported progressive policies like decriminalizing entheogenic plants and maintaining sanctuary city protections.
By 2025, Frey had set a record for mayoral vetoes, rejecting measures on rideshare wages, a Gaza ceasefire resolution, and traffic plans for George Floyd Square. That same year, he announced his third and final mayoral campaign, highlighting successes in reducing homelessness while acknowledging political divisions within the DFL.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| 2013 | Elected to Minneapolis City Council, Ward 3 |
| 2017 | Elected Mayor, defeating Betsy Hodges |
| 2020 | Oversaw city response to George Floyd protests |
| 2021 | Reelected under new strong-mayor system |
| 2024 | Issued record 14 vetoes, drawing both support and criticism |
| 2025 | Announced third-term bid; reaffirmed Minneapolis sanctuary city stance |
Controversies
Jacob Frey’s time in office has been marked by controversies. His refusal to support dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department in 2020 led to public booing at protests. In 2021, his aide Abdi Salah was implicated in the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, though Frey himself was not charged. His frequent use of veto power has also drawn criticism, especially regarding rideshare wage protections, Gaza resolutions, and George Floyd Square traffic plans.
Despite criticism, Frey remains a central figure in Minneapolis politics, seen by some as a pragmatic progressive and by others as too cautious on reform.
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