Winston Makes History, Becomes Brooklyn Park’s First Black Mayor

In a history-making Brooklyn Park mayoral race, Hollies Winston defeated Wynfred Russell to become the city’s first ever Black mayor. 

Winston won with 59.1 percent of the vote out of 23,864 ballots cast.

City council races have historically been nonpartisan. However, Winston received the backing of the DFL Party. Russell, a current city council member, was endorsed by former Brooklyn Park mayor and current Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde and the local Brooklyn Park firefighters union.

Winston served two terms on Brooklyn Park’s Budget Advisory Commission. According to his campaign website, Winston started Guaranteed America, a business advocacy firm that supports minority-owned and other small businesses.

During the race, both candidates shared different views on how to combat the city’s recent rise in violent crime. In a recent League of Women Voters forum, Winston stated support for police, but also wanted increased investment in youth programming.

“You have to continue to fully fund the police. I mean, that’s obvious,” said Winston. “I think secondarily, you have to invest in youth programming heavily in areas where youth don’t necessarily have a lot to do.”

Winston nearly became mayor in August 2021, losing in a special election to Lisa Jacobson by a mere two votes. Jacobson chose not to run for re-election. 

Brooklyn Park