MANKATO — In a message to the Free Press, Mankato Mayor Najwa Massad confirmed she’ll seek re-election this November.
“Mankato has always held a very special place in my heart. This community has given so much to my family and to me over the years, and serving as mayor has been a privilege I never take for granted,” she said in a statement.
This decision, made as recently as last week, Massad noted she was unsure if she would seek re-election, sees the mayor enter a race against a familiar opponent: Toby Leonard, whom she beat for the seat in 2022.
The announcement comes at an interesting time for Massad, who has faced some backlash over her response to ICE’s presence in the Mankato community. In a statement to the Free Press, Massad says she believes better days are ahead.
“Through every challenge our city has faced, my focus has remained the same and that is to lead with compassion and a commitment to doing what is best for the people of Mankato,” she said. “I truly believe the best days for our city are still ahead. I want to continue building a community where families feel supported, businesses can thrive and people feel proud to call Mankato home.”
Massad’s decision comes just days before the filing period opens for candidates on Tuesday.