BREAKING: Minneapolis DFL Chair Resigns Amid Ward 2 Convention Chaos

Conrad Zbikowski has stepped down as chair of the Minneapolis DFL, citing legal threats over the embattled Ward 2 convention. The convention's date has shifted multiple times – from May 3 (next week) to June 7 to June 1 and back – leading to a lawsuit and deepening party divisions.

In a resignation letter posted on his website this afternoon, Conrad stated he faced personal legal threats. He said he received a text from Minneapolis DFL executive committee member Dan Thomas-Commins that read, “If you unilaterally settle this case contrary to the wishes of the executive committee, you will not only be removed from office and not reimbursed but sued personally for all damages incurred by your actions.”

Lawsuit Exposes DFL's Dysfunction Ahead of Ward 2 Convention

At the center of the dispute is the Ward 2 endorsement convention. Conrad initially scheduled it for May 3, but after an unexpectedly high attendance at the April 8 caucuses, he canceled it over venue capacity concerns. He then rescheduled the convention to June 7, which conflicted with the Muslim holiday Eid so he then rescheduled the convention for June 1.

However, the executive committee later voted to move the date back to May 3 –  prompting the lawsuit. On Monday, DFL delegates Tony Scallon and Karen Karkula filed a lawsuit accusing the executive committee of overstepping its authority and violating party bylaws. They are asking the court to rule that the June 1 date – set by the then-party chair in accordance with the DFL’s own rules – is the only legitimate one.

Further complicating the matter, Ward 2 Council Member Robin Wonsley, who is not seeking the DFL’s endorsement, is accused in the lawsuit of influencing the May 3 decision to block a strong challenger. 

Wonsley advocates that the later date would disenfranchise students, many of whom will be gone for the summer by June. In a statement to BLCK Press, she said:

"Any attempt to reschedule or cancel the convention suppresses the voices of student voters. When students raised concerns about this attempted disenfranchisement, my campaign immediately amplified their concerns. All residents deserve a fair and democratic process in local elections regardless of political affiliation.”

As reported by The Minnesota Daily, student leaders at the University of Minnesota have slammed the DFL for poor communication, saying the convention location was changed three times in four days, and notices have been inconsistent or unclear.

The lawsuit now threatens to invalidate any results from the May 3 convention, should it go forward. A hearing is set for Thursday in Hennepin County court.