government
Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai takes mental health leave
By Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai has announced that she is taking a one-month mental health leave of absence.
Chughtai released a statement saying in part that she will be addressing her mental health through a program for clinical depression and anxiety.
She said the toll fro...
Key takeaway She said the toll from “several mass shootings,” the municipal election and Operation Metro Surge contributed to her decision to step away.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai's decision to take a one-month mental health leave of absence brings attention to the personal toll of public service, particularly in a city that has faced significant challenges in recent years. The factors Chughtai cited, including mass shootings and Operation Metro Surge, have affected not only her but also many of her constituents. As she steps back to address her clinical depression and anxiety, her office will continue to serve Ward 10, ensuring that residents' needs are still met. Chughtai's openness about her mental health struggles may help reduce stigma around the issue in the community, and her expected return to the Council could bring a renewed focus on supporting the well-being of both residents and city officials. The city's response to Chughtai's leave will be worth watching, as it may set a precedent for how Minneapolis prioritizes mental health in its government and community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Minneapolis City Council member Aisha Chughtai has announced that she is taking a one-month mental health leave of absence.
Chughtai released a statement saying in part that she will be addressing her mental health through a program for clinical depression and anxiety.
She said the toll fro...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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