ST. PAUL, MN — The metropolitan core of Minnesota, the Twin Cities, entered a new chapter in civic leadership on Tuesday, as voters in both halves of the metro hub cast ballots that will shape the future of their urban core.
Kaohly Her, a state representative and former city policy aide, overtook two-term incumbent Melvin Carter after ranked-choice tabulations to become St. Paul’s first Hmong and first woman mayor, a milestone widely described as historic for the city and for Hmong Americans nationally.
Her’s victory arrives in a city that made headlines less than two years ago when voters ushered in an all-female city council in the 2023 municipal elections, and the council was sworn in early in 2024, a development that left the seven-member body composed entirely of women. With Her now occupying the mayor’s office, that pattern of female leadership in St. Paul’s top municipal bodies continues.
She campaigned on housing affordability, safer streets, and expanded economic opportunity; she repeatedly framed her run as a bid to ensure city government “shows up” for every neighborhood and community that has long felt underrepresented. Voters’ second- and third-choice allocations under the city’s ranked-choice voting system proved decisive in the late counts.
Across the Mississippi, Minneapolis voters re-elected Jacob Frey to a third term. Frey fended off a crowded field and a strong challenge from State Sen. Omar Fateh; AP called the race for Frey after the final tabulation in the ranked-choice process. Frey’s campaign emphasized continuity on public safety, housing, and economic recovery as central to the city’s next chapter.
The twin outcomes, one historic and one affirming, will shape policy coordination across the metro on transit, housing, and regional economic development. Observers say Her’s victory reflects the growing political power of St. Paul’s Hmong and immigrant communities. At the same time, Frey’s return signals voters’ preference for experienced municipal leadership in Minneapolis as the city continues its long-term recovery and reform efforts.
Both mayors are due to take office following customary transition procedures; campaign teams said they would prioritize rapid coordination on regional issues. Officials and analysts cautioned that while election calls are authoritative, final certification and formal inaugurations follow standard processes for canvassing and verification.
Mayor of Saint Paul
Kaohly Her
Kaohly Vang Her, who grew up in Saint Paul’s Hmong community and previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, won the mayoral race, focusing on housing affordability, neighborhood investments, and responsive city services. This marks a significant achievement for Hmong Americans and women in leadership. Her win aligns the city’s top office with an all-female city council. Her immediate priorities include addressing housing costs, reducing violence through community strategies, supporting small businesses, and increasing city government visibility in neighborhoods.
Mayor of Minneapolis
Jacob Frey
Jacob Frey won his third term as mayor of Minneapolis after being first elected in 2017. He faced challenges related to public safety, immigration enforcement, homelessness, and housing affordability. In the 2025 race, he leads ranked-choice voting against challenger Omar Fateh. His campaign centered on his experience and emphasized his focus on urban stability, particularly in housing, infrastructure, and public safety, while highlighting that his victory would ensure continuity in the city’s regional governance and collaboration with suburban areas.
