St. Paul has elected its first ever Hmong mayor and its first ever woman to lead the city.
Just after midnight on Wednesday, Rep. Kaohly Her, self described 'illegal immigrant' won Tuesday’s election over incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter after a tabulation of second-choice votes. She had nearly 48 percent of the vote to Carter’s 45.
Her victory makes not only history for the St. Paul mayor’s office, but is also a first for the entire leadership of the city — the city council is made up of all women.
She beat out Carter and three other challengers — Yan Chen, Adam Dullinger and Mike Hilborn.
"My family came here as refugees. Never in their wildest dreams would I be standing here today accepting the position of mayor, mayor of the city that gave them the opportunity to live the American dream,” Her told supporters early Wednesday morning following her victory. “I am doing this work for them, for you and for the future of this great city.”
