Democratic Minnesota State Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, who earlier this year publicly stated her family has lived in the United States illegally, won the St. Paul mayoral election Tuesday night.
Vang Her defeated incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter after ranked-choice votes were tabulated, becoming the city’s first female and first Hmong mayor.
Resist the Mainstream previously reported that during a Minnesota House floor debate in June, Vang Her shared her family’s journey from Laos, revealing that her father had bypassed portions of the refugee process.
“I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here in this country,” she said, noting that her father’s position at a U.S. consulate allowed him to submit paperwork in a technically unlawful manner.
After the backlash, Vang Her later claimed in an interview with the Minnesota Reformer that she and her family are U.S. citizens, stating her comments were intended to illustrate the challenges immigrants face navigating complex legal systems, according to The Daily Caller.
Critics have raised questions about her earlier statement, suggesting it could cast doubt on her honesty and integrity.
Some even speculate that she or her family may still be living in the U.S. illegally, prompting debate about transparency and compliance with immigration law.
Vang Her previously worked in Mayor Carter’s office before launching her mayoral campaign.
While Carter led in first-choice votes, he fell short of an outright win.
Redistribution of second-choice ballots ultimately secured Vang Her’s victory, demonstrating the decisive role ranked-choice voting can play in competitive elections.
Advocates of the system argue that it allows broader voter participation and ensures winners reflect a larger consensus, though some critics have questioned whether voters fully understand the process and its implications.
The outcome underscores how electoral mechanics can dramatically shape results in closely contested races. Her election represents historic milestones for St. Paul but has also drawn scrutiny.
Supporters say her refugee background provides a unique perspective for city governance, highlighting resilience, community awareness and the value of diverse experiences.
Critics, however, emphasize her earlier statements regarding illegal residency, raising questions about transparency, accountability and credibility in public office.
Some local commentators have noted that voters may have prioritized historic representation over potential legal and ethical concerns.
Vang Her will take office in January, leading a city of more than 300,000 residents.
Analysts anticipate her administration will focus on economic development, public safety and community engagement.
Observers note that her family history and past remarks may continue to attract public attention and scrutiny, potentially influencing perceptions of compliance with immigration laws and honesty in public service.
As St. Paul prepares to welcome its first Hmong female mayor, attention will remain on how Vang Her navigates governance while addressing constituent expectations and public scrutiny.
Her victory represents both a landmark achievement for representation and a flashpoint for broader discussions about immigration, legality and accountability in public office.
Her rise highlights the increasing prominence of minority candidates in U.S. politics while illustrating how prior statements and personal history can shape public trust in elected officials.
Critics warn that public confidence in government is tied to transparency and truthfulness, meaning Vang Her’s integrity will likely remain under close observation as she assumes leadership of the city.
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