St. Paul has a new mayor as Kaohly Her was sworn in as the first woman and first Asian American to hold the position. In her inaugural address delivered at St. Catherine University, she outlined an ambitious governing agenda focused on accountability, effective fiscal planning, and a strong stance against what she perceives as federal overreach. Her address resonated with a commitment to work alongside the City Council to establish ordinances aimed at limiting federal agents’ activities within the city. She emphasized a promise of transparency in city infrastructure planning and took a moment to recognize her predecessor, Melvin Carter, for his leadership.
During her address, Her notably expressed her intention to push back against the Trump administration’s policies, including plans to prohibit federal agents from wearing masks during operations in St. Paul. This proposal serves to ensure that the identities of federal agents are visible, in light of past violence that included the tragic instance of a masked individual impersonating law enforcement. Her articulated frustration with what she perceives as the administration’s disregard for community welfare, stating, “We have a federal administration determined to make life more difficult for all of us here.”
Her speech drew a strong reaction when she shifted to the topic of municipal finance, where she shared her background in investments and stressed the importance of addressing deferred maintenance and upcoming budget projections. Her audience responded enthusiastically to her assertion that these financial challenges are manageable and require careful planning.
In a notable change of tone from her previous campaign rhetoric, which had included critiques of Carter for his proposed assault weapons ban, Her acknowledged the groundwork laid by the former mayor during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following George Floyd’s death. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she had while working under Carter and congratulated his leadership during challenging times.
Her’s address also included a heartfelt tribute to former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, whose legacy inspired Her’s decision to run for mayor. Reflecting on her own journey, she symbolically referenced hummingbirds as offerings of hope during periods of uncertainty, sharing an emotional anecdote about her first encounter with one.
Her’s election is not just historic for St. Paul but also representative of a changing political landscape. As she noted, never before has a woman, an Asian American, a Hmong individual, or a refugee held this influential position within the city. Supporters such as St. Catherine University President Dr. Marketa Evans echoed the significance of Her’s leadership, recognizing it as a pivotal moment for representation in local government. As both the outgoing and incoming administrations emphasize continuity and the necessity of diverse leadership, there is a palpable sense of optimism for St. Paul’s future under Her’s guidance. Her leadership could serve as a beacon of hope and progress for the community, fostering unity and resilience in the face of current political challenges.