St. Paul swears in first woman, Hmong mayor
Khali Vang her was inaugurated Saturday as St. Paul's 56th mayor, making history as the city's first woman, Asian-American, Hmong, and refugee to hold the office. The ceremony at St. Katherine University marked a milestone for representation in city leadership.
Reverend Daniel Johnson administered the oath of office to Vang her, who took it on her family Bible surrounded by her husband Kong, children Taylor and Aiden, and father Chutsu. The swearing-in ceremony highlighted the historic nature of her election, with speakers emphasizing what her leadership means for women, Asian-American, Hmong, and refugee communities. The event also marked the 50th anniversary of Hmong immigration to the United States.
In her inaugural address, Vang her outlined three major priorities for her administration. First, she pledged to protect St. Paul residents from what she called federal overreach by working with the city council to establish local ordinances. She specifically mentioned plans to restrict federal organizing in public parks and spaces. Second, she committed to addressing the city's significant deferred maintenance backlog and long-term financial challenges at major facilities like the Grand Casino Arena, River Center, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Third, she emphasized improving government efficiency and supporting local businesses across all neighborhoods, from downtown to Payne Avenue and Grand Avenue.
Vang her stressed the importance of sustainable financial planning, saying the city needs "a sustainable strategy in hand so that we don't keep asking for money every couple of decades." She framed basic government services—though "not flashy"—as essential for renters, business owners, homeowners, and visitors alike.
The new mayor also pledged accessibility and community engagement, stating: "I will always show up. We're a large city but a small community. Being connected matters." She emphasized that understanding what's happening in every corner of St. Paul is central to her ability to advocate for residents. The ceremony included a land acknowledgment recognizing Wakpa Tonka (the Mississippi River) as a sacred watershed and prayers for inclusion across St. Paul neighborhoods including Dayton's Bluff, Summit Hill, Como, Highland Park, and the Greater East Side.
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Votes (1)
Administration of Oath of Office for Mayor Khali Vang her
Reverend Daniel Johnson administered the oath of office to Khali Vang her, who was joined by her husband Kong, children Taylor and Aiden, and father Chutsu. The oath was taken on the family Bible, formalizing her position as the 56th Mayor of St. Paul.
Notable Quotes (5)
Being the first carries both privilege and responsibility. It means walking into spaces where doors were once closed. It means being visible even when you didn't ask ask to be. It means understanding that your leadership is never just about you. It is about those who came before you, those who will walk alongside you, and those who are watching and dreaming because of you.
Never in our city's history has a woman, Asian-American, m person, or refugee held this position. As I ran this campaign, these identities were woven into every action. But it is important for us to know that when we do big things and shatter glass ceilings that we break them open for generations to come.
We have a federal administration determined to make life more difficult for all of us here. Whether it is cutting funding to our city or targeting our neighbors, we are facing an unprecedented incursion that we must meet head on. That is why I am committed to working with the city council to establish ordinances to reign in their power from the banning from banning them from organizing in our public parks and spaces to implementing a ban on mass covering. One thing we know about this administration is that they won't play by the rules. But it is important we stand up for our neighbors and set those rules first.
My strongest belief is that if we ask our state partners for help, we need to come with a sustainable strategy in hand so that we don't keep asking for money every couple of decades. I'm excited to accomplish that. Finances and government back to uh finances and getting our government back to doing the basics right may not be flashy, but it is important for every facet of our city from renters to business owners to visitors to homeowners.
I will always show up. We're a large city but a small community. Being connected matters. Knowing what's going on in every corner of our city matters. It's how I can best fight for you as your mayor.
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Mayor Vang her committed to establishing ordinances to reign in federal power, ban organizing in public parks and spaces, and implement a ban on mass covering in response to federal administration incursions.
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Other Topics from This Document
Historical and Cultural Significance of Mayor Vang her's Election
Mayor Khali Vang her's Vision and Policy Priorities
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