Jamal Osman (politician)
Jamal Osman is a Somali-American politician in Minnesota's Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. In August 2020, he was elected to the Minneapolis City Council. Early life. Osman was born in Somalia and was a refugee in Kenya before coming to the United States when he was 14. After arriving in Minnesota, he lived in public housing. Career. Osman is a social services worker and has worked as a resident advocate for the non-profit CommonBond Communities. He has also served on the board of the Phillips Community Clinic. 2020 election. A special municipal election was held  on August 11, 2020 for Ward 6's vacant seat. The previous councilmember, Abdi Warsame, resigned from the seat in March 2020 to head the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. The special election occurred after the George Floyd protests and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he would address the opioid crisis and advocated for access to affordable housing. Osman defeated 10 other candidates in the race and was sworn into office on August 28. Personal life. Osman is married to Ilo and has five children. He lives in Phillips West Neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota