November 05, 2025
Back to all stories

Kaohly Her defeats Carter for St. Paul mayor

Rep. Kaohly Vang Her won St. Paul’s mayoral election on Nov. 4, defeating incumbent Melvin Carter and becoming the city’s first Hmong-American and first woman mayor. The result follows ranked-choice tabulation and ushers in a women-led city government alongside St. Paul’s all-women City Council.

Elections Local Government

📌 Key Facts

  • Winner: Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (DFL–St. Paul) defeated Mayor Melvin Carter
  • Historic firsts: first Hmong-American and first woman to serve as St. Paul mayor
  • Context: Result finalized after RCV rounds; council remains all women

📰 Sources (1)

Rep. Kaohly Her wins stunning upset in St. Paul mayoral race, making history
Minnesota Reformer by J. Patrick Coolican November 05, 2025