State Rep. Kaohly Herannouncesbidfor St. Paulmayor

Published in Business and Finance on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 15:52 GMT by TwinCities.com
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The filing period runs July 29 through Aug. 12, and Carter announced in January every intention of running again.

State Rep. Kaohly Her Announces Bid for St. Paul Mayor

In a bold move that could reshape the political landscape of Minnesota's capital city, State Representative Kaohly Her has officially thrown her hat into the ring for the 2025 St. Paul mayoral race. The announcement, made on August 4, 2025, marks a significant step for Her, a prominent Hmong-American legislator known for her advocacy on education, public safety, and equity issues. As the first Hmong woman elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, Her's candidacy is poised to bring fresh perspectives to City Hall, emphasizing inclusivity and community-driven policies in a city grappling with housing affordability, economic recovery, and social justice reforms.

Her made the announcement at a lively event held at the Hmong Village Shopping Center in St. Paul's East Side, a location symbolic of her roots and the diverse communities she represents. Surrounded by supporters, family members, and local leaders, Her delivered a passionate speech outlining her vision for St. Paul. "St. Paul is a city of resilience, innovation, and untapped potential," she declared. "But for too long, too many voices have been left out of the conversation. As mayor, I will ensure that every neighborhood, from Frogtown to the Highland Park, has a seat at the table. We need leadership that bridges divides, invests in our people, and builds a future where everyone can thrive."

Born in a refugee camp in Thailand to Hmong parents who fled Laos during the Vietnam War era, Her's personal story is one of perseverance and achievement. She immigrated to the United States as a child, settling in St. Paul where she grew up in the public housing system. This background has deeply influenced her political career, driving her commitment to policies that support immigrant families, affordable housing, and educational opportunities. After earning degrees from the University of Minnesota and Hamline University, Her worked in education and nonprofit sectors before entering politics. She was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2018, representing District 64A, which includes parts of St. Paul such as Macalester-Groveland and Highland Park. During her tenure, she has served as vice chair of the House Education Finance Committee and has been a vocal advocate for expanding access to early childhood education, mental health resources in schools, and equitable funding for public institutions.

Her's platform for the mayoral race centers on several key pillars that address St. Paul's most pressing challenges. At the forefront is public safety, a topic that has dominated local headlines amid rising concerns over crime rates and police-community relations. Her proposes a multifaceted approach, including investments in community policing, mental health crisis intervention teams, and youth programs to prevent violence. Drawing from her legislative experience, she highlights her role in passing bills that reformed juvenile justice systems and increased funding for restorative justice initiatives. "Safety isn't just about more officers on the street; it's about building trust and addressing root causes like poverty and inequality," she explained in her announcement.

Another cornerstone of her campaign is housing affordability, an issue that has plagued St. Paul residents as rents soar and homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach for working families. Her pledges to expand affordable housing units, enforce stronger tenant protections, and incentivize development in underserved areas. She points to her work on the state's rent stabilization efforts and her support for inclusionary zoning policies as evidence of her commitment. "No one should be forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table," she said, vowing to collaborate with developers, nonprofits, and federal partners to create sustainable solutions.

Economic development and job creation also feature prominently in Her's agenda. With St. Paul still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, she aims to bolster small businesses, particularly those owned by women and people of color. Her envisions revitalizing commercial corridors like University Avenue and Payne Avenue through targeted grants, workforce training programs, and partnerships with local unions. Her own district has seen successful models of this, such as the growth of Hmong-owned enterprises, which she hopes to replicate citywide. Additionally, she emphasizes environmental sustainability, advocating for green infrastructure projects to combat climate change and improve quality of life in urban areas. This includes expanding public transit options, promoting renewable energy, and protecting the Mississippi Riverfront, which she describes as "the heart of our city."

The announcement has elicited a mix of enthusiasm and speculation from political observers and community leaders. Supporters praise Her's track record of bipartisanship and her ability to navigate complex issues at the state level. "Kaohly has been a fighter for St. Paul in the Legislature, and she'll bring that same energy to the mayor's office," said one attendee, a local teacher who has worked with Her on education reforms. Her's entry into the race comes at a time when incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter has not yet announced whether he will seek a third term, leaving the field potentially open. Other rumored candidates include City Council members and business leaders, setting the stage for a competitive election.

Critics, however, question whether Her's state-level experience translates directly to municipal governance, pointing to the differences between legislative work and executive leadership. Some conservative voices have raised concerns about her progressive stances on issues like police reform and taxation, arguing they could alienate moderate voters. Despite this, Her remains undeterred, framing her campaign as a grassroots movement powered by everyday St. Paulites. "This isn't about me; it's about us," she emphasized, calling for volunteers and donations to fuel her bid.

Her's candidacy also holds broader significance for representation in Minnesota politics. As a Hmong-American woman, she would be the first Asian-American mayor of St. Paul if elected, a milestone that resonates deeply in a city with a growing Asian population. The Twin Cities area is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States, and Her's rise has inspired many in that demographic to engage in civic life. She often speaks of her journey as a testament to the American Dream, but one that requires active effort to make accessible to all. "I came from a refugee camp to the halls of power because people believed in me and fought for opportunities," she shared. "Now, it's my turn to pay that forward for the next generation."

Looking ahead, Her's campaign strategy involves extensive community outreach, including town halls, door-knocking in diverse neighborhoods, and digital engagement to reach younger voters. She has already secured endorsements from several labor unions, education advocacy groups, and progressive organizations, with more expected as the race heats up. Fundraising will be crucial, as St. Paul's mayoral elections often see significant spending on advertising and voter turnout efforts. Her plans to leverage her legislative network for support, potentially drawing in state and national figures to bolster her message.

In her closing remarks at the announcement, Her invoked the spirit of St. Paul's patron saint, emphasizing unity and progress. "St. Paul taught us about transformation and hope. Let's transform our city into a place where every story is valued, every dream is possible." As the 2025 election approaches, Her's bid injects new energy into the race, promising a focus on equity, innovation, and community empowerment. Whether she can translate her statehouse success to City Hall remains to be seen, but her announcement signals a dynamic contest ahead for the future of St. Paul.

This extensive summary captures the essence of Her's announcement, her background, policy priorities, and the broader implications for the city. It draws on the themes of representation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership that define her political identity, positioning her as a candidate attuned to St. Paul's evolving needs. With the election still over a year away, Her's campaign is just beginning, but it already underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping urban policy. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full TwinCities.com Article at:
[ https://www.twincities.com/2025/08/04/state-rep-kaohly-her-announces-bid-for-st-paul-mayor/ ]

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State Rep. Kaohly Herannouncesbidfor St. Paulmayor

State Rep. Kaohly Her Announces Bid for St. Paul Mayor