Kaohly Vang Her, a sitting state legislator, won the mayoral election in St. Paul, Minnesota, in November 2025. Her victory over two-term incumbent Melvin Carter is historic, as she is the first woman and the first Asian American to be elected to the city’s highest office. The election results have drawn national attention due to Her’s past public comments regarding her family’s immigration history.
Story Highlights
- State legislator Kaohly Vang Her won the mayoral race in St. Paul, Minnesota, in November 2025.
- She is the first woman and first Asian American elected to lead the city.
- Her’s public discussion of her family’s journey as refugees and their past undocumented status has fueled debate on immigration law and local governance.
- The transition comes amid intensified federal immigration enforcement measures.
Her Triumphs in Historic Mayoral Victory
In November 2025, state legislator Kaohly Vang Her was elected as the new mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota. The result represents a significant win for Her over two-term incumbent Melvin Carter, making Her the first woman and first Asian American to hold the position.
Her’s candidacy and subsequent election gained national visibility following her candid statements about her family’s immigration history. She previously stated on the Minnesota House floor that she considered herself “illegal in this country.” Her later clarified that her family entered the country legally as refugees after the Vietnam War and eventually became U.S. citizens. However, her remarks have been connected to allegations regarding her father’s alleged use of forged documents during their entry, which has been a focus of public discussion regarding transparency and adherence to immigration law.
Within Minnesota, which hosts one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States, Her’s personal story is viewed by supporters as an example of resilience. Critics, including conservative observers, have raised concerns that her statements set a precedent that could undermine respect for immigration enforcement and the legal process.
Kaohly Vang Her speaks after winning the race for St. Paul mayor. Vang Her will be the first woman and the first Hmong American to hold the position. @SahanJournal pic.twitter.com/ec14GPvfoe
— Katrina Pross (@katrina_pross) November 5, 2025
Election Results and Policy Priorities
Her’s successful campaign involved building a coalition that crossed ethnic and labor groups, overcoming the political bases historically loyal to the incumbent and the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL). A key factor was the endorsement of Firefighters Local 21, reflecting Her’s focus on public safety and labor interests.
Following the victory, Her outlined several priorities for the upcoming administration, including growing city revenue without increasing taxes, expanding business opportunities, and addressing diverse housing needs. Incumbent Mayor Carter conceded the race and committed to a smooth transition of power.
Context of Federal Immigration Enforcement
Her will assume office as the Trump administration continues to enact changes to immigration law and enforcement nationwide. Federal policies enacted in 2025 have included the expansion of expedited removal, the revival of local law enforcement partnerships, and penalties for localities designated as sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal authorities. The stated goals of these federal measures are to safeguard national security and uphold the rule of law.
Her’s public stance has been to defend immigrant communities from federal enforcement actions, positioning St. Paul as a potential focal point in the broader conflict between local autonomy and federal mandates. The outcome of the St. Paul election and the policies of the new administration are expected to influence future discussions regarding immigration, representation, and governance.
Watch the report: Mayor of St. Paul: Rep. Kaohly Her wins election
Sources:
Woman Who Straight Up Claimed To Be Illegal Wins Mayoral Election In St. Paul, Minnesota
