Aisha Chughtai

Chughtai's parents are immigrants from Pakistan, her father worked as a mechanic and her mother worked as a Quranic instructor. She grew up in Houston where her family experienced housing instability and moved to Mankato, Minnesota during the 2008 financial crisis.[3][4]

Chughtai has worked on numerous political campaigns including as campaign manager of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar's 2018 campaign. She later worked as a political organizer for the SEIU Minnesota State Council.[1]

Chughtai announced her intention to run for retiring Council President Lisa Bender's seat in Ward 10. Her campaign focused on expanding affordable housing and strengthening local labor laws.[3] The DFL did not issue an endorsement in the ward due to no candidate achieving the necessary vote threshold.[5] She was endorsed by the abortion rights organization #VOTEPROCHOICE.[6]

She won the instant-runoff election on November 3 with 50.3% to her nearest challenger's 33.6% according to unofficial results.[7][8] She took office on January 3, 2022, becoming the first Asian American, Muslim woman, and youngest member of the Council.[9] She took the oath of office on a ceremonial Quran also used by Ilhan Omar, Keith Ellison, Omar Fateh, and numerous other Muslim officials elected in Minneapolis.[10]

She advocates for community control over the police.[11]

A renter, Chughtai lives in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis.[12][11] She is a member of the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).[13]