Skip to main content

Rochester, Minnesota · 2026

We deserve a
city that works
for all of us.

Ayub HajiOmar for Mayor of Rochester — building a stronger, more connected community where everyone has a place and a voice.

Ayub HajiOmar
Scroll
Ayub in the community

10+

Years serving
Rochester

About Ayub

Rooted.
Collaborative.
Visionary.
Prepared.

Ayub HajiOmar is a lifelong Rochester resident, community leader, and candidate for Mayor. With backgrounds in structural engineering and fine arts, he brings both practical infrastructure understanding and a deep appreciation for the public spaces and community connections that shape quality of life in Rochester.

Over the past decade, he has worked to strengthen Rochester through community development, infrastructure, public art, youth engagement, and civic collaboration — including the landmark six-year Discovery Walk project.

He has represented Rochester through the International Relations Committee and supported student achievement in Rochester Public Schools. He chose to raise his family here because he believes deeply in the city, its people, and its future.

Campaign Priorities

Four priorities for a Rochester that works for everyone.

Affordable Homes

More options. Stronger neighborhoods.

Support responsible growth that expands housing choices while preserving the neighborhoods and quality of life that make Rochester special.

Smart Growth

Infrastructure. Parks. A stronger future.

Plan ahead by investing in the roads, utilities, public spaces, and services Rochester needs as we continue to grow.

A Strong Local Economy

Support local business. Grow opportunity.

Strengthen Rochester's economy by supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and helping create good-paying jobs throughout our community.

Community First

Listening. Transparency. Trust.

Build a city government that listens, communicates clearly, and works alongside residents to solve problems together.

Our Wins

Building Rochester's future.

For more than a decade, I have worked alongside neighbors, city leaders, businesses, and community partners to strengthen the place we all call home. Leadership starts by showing up, listening, and doing the work.

01

Creating public spaces that bring people together

Through the six-year Discovery Walk project, I worked alongside city departments, architects, engineers, construction teams, and local businesses to help create a downtown space designed for connection, accessibility, and community life.

02

Supporting smart infrastructure and responsible growth

Behind every great city is infrastructure residents may never see. My work included collaboration on major infrastructure planning — utilities, streetscape improvements, and systems that help prepare Rochester for continued growth.

03

Building relationships across communities

As a member of Rochester's International Relations Committee, I have represented our city in conversations with global partners and helped strengthen relationships that connect Rochester to the world.

04

Investing in the next generation

Through years of working with students and families, I have supported educational growth, mentorship, and opportunities for young people across our community.

05

Strengthening neighborhoods and public spaces

From community projects to local service, I believe strong cities are built through safe neighborhoods, vibrant parks, welcoming public spaces, and residents who feel connected to one another.

06

Bringing people together to solve problems

My approach has always been collaborative — working with residents, businesses, public servants, and community leaders to turn ideas into action.

Our Vision

A Rochester that works for everyone.

Rochester is one of the most innovative cities in the world. As we continue to grow, we have an opportunity to build a city that remains affordable, connected, welcoming, and prepared for generations to come.

Keeping Rochester Affordable

Expanding housing choices

Support responsible housing development for every stage of life so the people who make Rochester great can continue to call it home.

Protecting quality of life as we grow

Invest in the roads, utilities, parks, and services residents depend on every day — growth that strengthens neighborhoods rather than leaving them behind.

A City That Works for Everyone

Strengthening trust in local government

Focus on transparency, accessibility, and making sure community voices are included before important decisions are made.

Connecting every neighborhood to opportunity

Keep investing in neighborhoods, public spaces, transportation, and economic opportunity that reach residents across our entire community.

Preparing Rochester for the Future

Infrastructure for the next generation

Make responsible investments in water, utilities, transportation, and the systems that keep Rochester moving — the strongest cities plan ahead.

Vibrant public spaces & a sustainable city

Support parks, trails, arts, and gathering spaces, and back practical investments that improve energy efficiency and resilience for generations to come.

Featured Project

The Discovery Walk

Over six years, Ayub worked alongside Rochester city leadership, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, architects, engineers, and community stakeholders on this landmark public-space and infrastructure project.

The project involved major underground infrastructure — utilities, water systems, and energy networks — alongside public art and spaces designed to support Rochester's growth for generations.

6

Years of
collaboration

100+

Stakeholders
engaged

Discovery Walk project

In the Community

Ayub at work in Rochester.

Ayub reviewing building plans with a construction crew
Ayub at city council
Groundbreaking event
Ayub planting trees with kids
Ayub HajiOmar for Rochester
Ayub planting a tree with neighbors

Join the Campaign

Let's build a Rochester
that works for everyone.

This campaign is built by neighbors, for neighbors. Whether you can volunteer an hour or chip in to support us, every contribution moves us forward.

Volunteer

Knock doors, make calls, organize events. Help us reach every corner of Rochester.

Sign Up →

Donate

Your contribution fuels the campaign. Every dollar helps us reach more Rochester residents.

Contribute →

Questions? Email us at AyubHajiOmar@gmail.com