In a surprising turn of events, Kaohly Vang Her, a Democratic State Representative, has been elected as the new mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Her victory marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman and the first member of the Hmong community to assume this role. Her triumph came after a close contest with incumbent Democratic Mayor Melvin Carter, with the final decision hinging on the tabulation of second-choice votes.
Her's journey to this position is notable not only for her political achievements but also for her personal history. Born in Laos, she entered the United States as a refugee. During a Minnesota House of Representatives floor debate on Medicaid eligibility for illegal migrants, Her made a striking declaration: I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here in this country.
She elaborated, I tell you this story because I want you to think about who it is that you are calling illegal. My family was just smarter in how we illegally came here. However, as reported by the Daily Caller, Her later clarified to the Minnesota Reformer that she and her parents are American citizens. Her initial statement was intended to evoke empathy from her Republican colleagues, though she acknowledged that her father technically violated the law when completing refugee paperwork.
Her's election is set to bring a new perspective to the leadership of St. Paul, a city with a population exceeding 300,000. Her political career includes previous service in Mayor Carter's office, which she left to challenge him for the mayoral seat. Her victory is part of a broader trend of Democratic successes across the nation on election night.
In Minneapolis, the mayoral race remains unresolved, with Mayor Jacob Frey facing a challenge from Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh. Frey secured the most first-choice votes but did not achieve the majority required for an outright win, leading to a count of second and third-choice votes, as reported by Fox 9.
The election night also saw significant Democratic victories elsewhere. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the gubernatorial race, while in New Jersey, Republican Jack Ciattarelli's attempt to capture the governor's seat ended in defeat. Meanwhile, in New York City, socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious in the mayoral election, defeating both former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
As Her prepares to take office in January 2026, her leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to St. Paul. Her election not only represents a personal achievement but also reflects the evolving political landscape in Minnesota and beyond.
The implications of these election results will likely resonate across the political spectrum, highlighting the shifting dynamics in American politics.
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