Sign in

Aisha Chughtai

@aishaforward10.com
2K followers 178 following 146 posts

renter, former union organizer, eldest daughter to a Muslim immigrant family • socialist • representing Ward 10 on the Minneapolis City Council • she/her

PostsRepliesMedia
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 05/02/2026
I’m on the scene at Franklin and 1st. A convoy of about a couple dozen ICE/HSI agents broke the entryway into an apartment building at 6am. No warrant presented. Less than 24 hours ago, Tom Homan announced the end of large convoys in Minnesota… Bullshit.
10551842265
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 28/01/2026
@governorwalz.mn.gov, I’m thrilled to read via fundraising text that you’ll never stop defending Minnesotans. I agree: your constituents are meeting this moment. We need you to defend us. Come Feb 1st, you can keep vulnerable families in their homes by enacting a statewide eviction moratorium NOW.
Fundraising text from Governor Tim Walz reads: 

“Hey, it’s Tim Walz. I just got off the air with Anderson Cooper live in Minneapolis. Here’s what I told him:

𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙣.

Donald Trump is trying to make an example out of Minnesota. His message? Sit down, shut up, and fall in line.

But here’s the catch: If he’s trying to make an example out of us, I’m damn proud of the example we’re setting. We’re meeting fear and division with decency and generosity, and we’re not backing down.

The Trump administration is picking legal battles with me in the hopes that I’ll stop defending you. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

I will never give up on defending Minnesotans – but these legal fights are expensive by design. So if you have $10 or $20 to chip into my legal defense fund, it’ll go a long way: twalz.com/l/jFcQQd

Thank you for all of your support. Whether you can donate or not, if”

Remaining text continues on next screenshot. Remaining fundraising message from Governor Tim Walz reads:

“there’s one thing you take away from this message, let it be this: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴.

Text STOP to quit”
219577
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 26/01/2026
Even in our grief, our community continues to follow in the example of Alex Pretti: loving our neighbors and doing everything we can to support them. No matter what, ICE will not break our spirit. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Screenshot of Guardian article. It reads: 

‘Our spirit can’t be broken’: Minneapolis council member on resisting Trump’s immigration crackdown
24320
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 04/11/2025
I also got to accompany my friend and 3 generations of her family on their walk to vote. As longtime Uptown residents, I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me about building the Uptown we’re deserve together. One that is accessible for our kids and grandparents alike
Photo of Aisha and the folks mentioned in the post walking on the sidewalk together.
0101
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 04/11/2025
Ran into one of my neighbors who lives in the apartment building next door. We met last year when he was my Lyft driver! He talked to me then about how important our work to raise wages and working conditions for drivers was. Today, he told me how proud he was to vote for me 🥹♥️
Selfie of Aisha and her neighbor. Both are returning from voting!
1484
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 04/11/2025
Happy Election Day, Minneapolis! Grateful to continue the tradition of voting with my neighbors, this time with the littlest addition to our crew, Sabina. If you’re voting in person today, reply with your precinct/polling place, the time you voted, and what voter number you were!
Selfie after voting at MCAD. From left to right: Aldona holding a fast asleep baby Sabina, Halley, Brandon, Akhi, Aisha, and Graham.
4436
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 03/11/2025
The energy in the city is inspiring. The people are ready for change — together, we will elect a new Mayor to work alongside our progressive City Council majority to build an affordable city accountable to us. Join me and @ilhanmn.bsky.social at 5pm today at Sabathani for a rally and doorknock!
Graphic reads: 

“GOTV Rally and Doorknock with Ilhan Omar

November 3rd • 5:00pm 
Sabathani Community Center 
310 E 38th Street”
0211
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 31/10/2025
Hennepin Avenue is the first major policy issue I worked on as a new Council Member in 2022. As we re-open this street today, knowing how critical it is to revitalizing Uptown, I’m reflecting on the advocacy of the Ward 10 community in making this generational investment possible.
1387
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 10/10/2025
Workers are the backbone of Minneapolis. We all deserve a stable, living-wage job, free of intimidation and wage theft. Union members are supporting me because I’m their #1 champion at City Hall. I’m hitting the doors with them to talk to neighbors about our vision this week 🧵👇🏽
Graphic reads: 

“Ward 10 Works Together 
Labor for Aisha Knocks with Omar Fateh for Mayor, Michael Wilson for Park Board At-Large, and Jason Garcia for Park Board District 4. 

Saturday, Oct 11 
1-4pm • Mueller Park 

Saturday, Oct 25 
1-4pm • Whittier Park”
13611
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 09/09/2025
Tomorrow, @robin4mpls.bsky.social and I will celebrate our birthdays with you, and we're excited to have a special guest joining us to close out the night, our future Mayor @omarfatehmn.com. We'll have some treats to share and more available to buy. Register at aishaforward10.con/events
093
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 04/09/2025
I know some people think it’s offensive for me to celebrate my birthday. Here’s the thing: as a domestic violence survivor, every day of this life is a gift I never imagined I’d have. Every birthday is a reminder of how lucky I am to be here. To another year of learning and growing, inshallah ✨
91068
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 30/08/2025
The last year brought a lot of change—across the US, here in Minneapolis, and in each of our lives, including mine. Through it all, serving Ward 10 is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and transformative experiences of my life. I’m turning 28, and I want to share this milestone with y’all.
1211
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 27/08/2025
We need to stand with and care for our neighbors. Join me at Lynnhurst Park tonight at 8pm for a candlelight vigil. Details:
Flier reads: 

Candlelight Vigil for Annunciation Catholic School

Wednesday, August 27
8pm-9pm 
Lynnhurst Park
1345 W Minnehaha Parkway - Gathering on the North side of 50th

Bring an electric candle to honor those lost with light & solidarity. 

Due to limited parking we ask all those able to walk or bike.
0201
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 07/07/2025
Join me this Saturday, July 12 from 1-4pm at Whittier Park for our summer Field Kickoff. Let’s hit the doors together and make sure every Ward 10 resident is invited to participate in local democracy! Sign up at aishaforward10.com/events
0188
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 01/06/2025
After a powerful day of organizing, the Ward 10 Convention ended with us in first place with 52% of the delegates. This win is a testament to our transformative work together over the last 4 years and the power of our vision of a city where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Aisha Chughtai raising her badge in the Ella Baker School auditorium and voting with delegates.
311320
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 30/05/2025
I’m so honored to be endorsed by my friend and colleague @emilykoskimpls.bsky.social! Emily and I have worked across our differences to achieve important wins for Minneapolis residents. Ward 10 Delegates, I hope you’ll vote for me at Convention tomorrow.
Graphic of CM Emily Koski’s endorsement of Aisha. Quote: I’ve come to know Aisha as someone who is relentless in advocating for her neighbors. While we don’t agree on every issue, that has never stopped her from working with me to accomplish a goal for her community. She works across differences and treats everyone who works with her with dignity and respect. If you believe, as I do, that what our city needs is leaders ready to find common ground in order to serve the people of Minneapolis - then join me in supporting Aisha Chughtai for re-election.
0425
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 20/05/2025
My team and I will be working to print tshirts for our convention tomorrow. Join us from 6-7:30pm at Centro Nicollet. Sign up at aishaforward10.com/events
061
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 08/04/2025
I’m so honored to be the only union-endorsed candidate running to represent Ward 10. Earning the support of @seiumn.bsky.social and @uniteherelocal17.bsky.social means the world to me. I’m proud to unapologetically fight for working people who make this city run every single day.
1132
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 08/04/2025
Ward 10 hotties: it’s okay if you don’t want to commit in your love life. I just want you to commit to caucusing for me at 6:30pm tonight. Sign up at aishaforward10.com/commit 🌻💛
1214
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 08/04/2025
I’m so thrilled to share our campaign has been endorsed by Sunrise Twin Cities ! Together, we can build more connected and resilient communities at the local level. Excited to see you at your Ward 10 caucus location tonight!
0223
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 08/04/2025
Happy Caucus Day! Ward 10, please show up to caucus at 6:30pm tonight! Whittier + the Wedge (north of W 28th St) caucuses at Whittier Elementary at 2620 Grand Ave S. South Uptown, East Bde Maka Ska, and the Wedge (south of W 28th St) caucuses at Queermunity at 3036 Hennepin Ave.
0152
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 05/04/2025
I’m so proud to be endorsed by @outfrontmn.bsky.social! Local government is the first line of service and the last line of defense. As your Councilmember, I’m ready to continue to fight back against the federal administration to protect our trans and LGBTQIA+ neighbors who are under attack.
170
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 05/04/2025
It’s an honor to be endorsed by my colleagues @elliottpayne.org, @robinformpls.com, CM Ellison, CM Osman, @jchavezmpls.bsky.social, and @aurinmpls.bsky.social! They represent the best of what Minneapolis has to offer. Together, we’ve delivered the most productive year in recent Council history!
1164
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 04/04/2025
TakeAction builds powerful coalitions and organizes people. I’m proud to support their work, and honored to receive the endorsement of TakeAction’s members. I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership in building a government and economy that works for all of us.
1102
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 03/04/2025
Like so many of you, I find the systems of capitalism and national oppression that dictate haves and have-nots to be unacceptable. I’m proud to be a socialist, I’m proud to represent our values as Council Vice President, and I’m proud to be endorsed by @twincitiesdsa.bsky.social!
14210
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 03/04/2025
The first campaign I worked on in Minneapolis was Congresswoman Omar’s State House race in 2016. I went on to manage her campaign for Congress — watching her make history remains an inspiration. I’m honored to call her a friend and governing partner. Thank you, @ilhanmn.bsky.social for your support!
151
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 14/03/2025
Just last October, the Police Department used City resources to hold a Catholic Mass. During Ramadan in 2023 and again in 2024, Chief Brian O’Hara used City resources to host an iftar in the community.
Story from the Minnesota Star Tribune about the cancelled iftar hosted by Muslim Council Members: https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-city-council-muslim-iftar-cancelled/601235431
24616
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 07/03/2025
No, but here are screenshots of the whole piece:
Minneapolis is a progressive city. Minnesota has the highest voter turnout in the country, lead by the highest-turnout precincts in Minneapolis — that translates to some of the largest vote margins in the nation. Our state has been a pale blue dot in a vast expanse of red since Ronald Reagan swept the nation in 1980, and Minneapolis has carried statewide outcomes ever since. So if Minneapolis is so reliably left-leaning, why are our local elections so contentious? The answer is simple — the strength of the donors.

The donor base in Minneapolis flexes its power under many names, but the most influential organization to put its thumb on the scale in recent municipal elections is All of Mpls. All of Mpls is a corporate-backed super PAC that was created by the Chamber of Commerce. Its purpose is to advance the interests of its large donors who are able to maximize their profits by influencing outcomes at City Hall. Their track record is to uplift the mayor and to attack the City Council because they see us on the council as a threat to their interests. They have been effective at influence because they have been able to convince people to be outraged about City Council while deflecting any accountability for the mayor. The names of these super PACs may change, but their donors are a consistent force in our local politics.They have been most successful in convincing voters that the City Council has defunded the police. The fact is that police funding has increased every year since the 2021 election, including historic pay raises passed by City Council in 2024. But wealthy donors don’t let facts get in the way of a story that advances their interests.

How do the above facts get spun into a story that the council defunded the police? Easy — all the mayor has to do is artificially inflate the budget (raising your property taxes along the way), then bash those of us on the City Council when we show fiscal discipline by lowering your property taxes while making priority investments in programs that our constituents have asked for. The mayor sets up the attack, and the wealthy donors follow through — unleashing a flood of angry emails expressing outrage at the council. Most of the people who are activated by these super PACs don’t know who’s behind them or what their interests are. In fact, many of them don’t even live in city. These super PACs send a slew of communications that are designed to distract — to make sure your outrage about the government’s failure to address homelessness, safety and crime are directed away from the mayor (the singular executive in control of local government) and toward the City Council. Council members spend a tremendous amount of time in the community, understanding the needs and concerns of their constituents and prioritizing them over the corporations that fund these super PACS. That is why we are enemy No. 1.

All we have to do is watch Elon Musk and his DOGE PACs send a slew of communications that are designed to distract — to make sure your outrage about the government’s failure to address homelessness, safety and crime are directed away from the mayor (the singular executive in control of local government) and toward the City Council. Council members spend a tremendous amount of time in the community, understanding the needs and concerns of their constituents and prioritizing them over the corporations that fund these super PACS. That is why we are enemy No. 1.

All we have to do is watch Elon Musk and his DOGE minions dismantling our federal government to see where this money and influence leads to. The wealthy elites have turned the presidency into an unchecked king, and they don’t care who sits on the throne as long as they are in control. As our local elections heat up this year, it’s more important than ever that we recognize the impact of wealthy donors on democratic outcomes and ask ourselves who our next mayor will stand with, us or the wealthy donors. And do we want a united council majority as an effective check on executive power, or do we want to let the wealthy donors hand pick the legislative body to act as a rubber stamp for the administration? We don’t have to make guesses about what that looks like. All we have to do is watch what’s happening in Washington.

Elliott Payne is Minneapolis City Council president. He represents Ward 1.
041
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 22/02/2025
Join us on March 16 from 1pm - 3pm at Eat Street Crossing for my re-election Kickoff! I’ve fought shoulder-to-shoulder with working-class people at City Hall for 3 years. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together & I’m just getting started. Register: www.mobilize.us/aishachughta...
0219
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 08/02/2025
Thank you for having me, @swaempls.bsky.social! I’m so grateful for all the work you do to advocate for progressive policies and organize your neighbors ✨🫡
Aisha speaking to SWAE Mpls members
0122
Aisha Chughtai @aishaforward10.com · 30/12/2024
Hi, I'm Aisha. I'm a renter from Whittier, I come to local government through the labor and immigrants rights movements, & I have the privilege of representing Ward 10 on the Minneapolis City Council. I’m excited to announce I’m running for re-election.🧵 aishaforward10.com/donate
Aisha reading to students at Whittier Elementary.Aisha speaking at a press conference about the Labor Standards Board.Aisha and several of her colleagues speaking at a press conference.
110830