First Woman and Asian American to Lead St. Paul
A Historic Inauguration for St. Paul
Kaohly Her, a former state representative, made history last fall when she defeated a well-known incumbent in an unexpected victory. This week, she took the oath of office to become the first woman and Asian American to lead St. Paul, Minnesota, as its mayor. Her swearing-in marked a significant milestone for the city, reflecting a shift in leadership and representation.
The ceremony began with a private event alongside her family, followed by a larger celebration at St. Catherine's University. The location was symbolic, as the institution has long been dedicated to educating women. Her choice of venue highlighted the importance of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations.
"It is important for us to know that when we do big things and shatter glass ceilings, that we break them open for generations to come," Her said in her inaugural address. "Across our city, young women, my Hmong family and refugee immigrant communities will know that no office is too high for them to dream up or reach. I may be the first in some of these categories, but I will not be the last."
A Commitment to Change
Her pledged to work closely with the St. Paul City Council to resist what she described as "incursions" into the city by the Trump administration. These incursions have included increased U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement actions in recent months. Her emphasized the need for the city to stand firm against policies that threaten its residents and communities.
In addition to addressing federal challenges, Her also focused on the city's financial health. She outlined plans to steer the city's budget toward a sustainable path, especially as residents face rising property taxes and a struggling downtown. Her estimated that the city has approximately $1 billion in deferred maintenance for public facilities.
"Finances and getting our government back to doing the basics right may not be flashy, but it is important for every facet of our city, from renters to business owners to visitors to homeowners," she said.
Honoring Legacy and Leadership
Before taking the oath of office, administered by a longtime family friend and pastor, three artists recited a poem, and friends and former colleagues shared insights into Her's leadership style. Rep. Ginny Klevorn, a Democrat who served with Her in the Minnesota House, praised her tenacity, compassion, and vision for making lives better.
"I have witnessed in our seven years together at the legislature her tenacity, her compassion, her vision to make lives better, her desire to empower each and every person in this city to achieve their dreams," Klevorn said.
In a heartfelt tribute, Her honored her mentor and friend Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, who were tragically assassinated in a politically-motivated attack last June. She spoke about how Hortman's leadership influenced her own approach to governance.
"Her legacy and words wrapped themselves around my heart after her death, and it was her mentorship and example that led me to run for this office," Her said. "She was an in-the-weeds, hard-working, putting people first kind of leader."
A New Era for St. Paul
Kaohly Her is the 47th mayor of St. Paul and will serve an abbreviated three-year term instead of the usual four years. This change is due to the city's plan to shift its municipal elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years starting in 2028, aligning with presidential elections.
Her's inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter for St. Paul, one that emphasizes inclusivity, resilience, and a commitment to the city's future. As the first woman and Asian American mayor, her leadership is expected to inspire a wide range of residents and set a precedent for future leaders.
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