St. Paul Mayor-elect Kaohly Her is set to take office, bringing with her nearly six years of legislative experience from the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her represents the Union Park, Macalester-Groveland, and Summit-University neighborhoods, having secured her seat in 2018 following Erin Murphy‘s campaign for governor. During her time in the House, she rose to the position of majority whip, emphasizing her ability to lead and organize effectively.
Her campaign centered on a promise to enhance “core city services” and focus on essential governance. Colleagues from her time in the legislature commend her meticulous approach to lawmaking and her understanding of the intricacies involved in governance. Dan Wolgamott, a fellow legislator, noted Her’s exceptional organizational skills, stating, “She’s extremely organized. She’s nuts and bolts, brass tacks, no detail left unturned.”
Legislative Achievements and Collaborative Spirit
Among Her’s notable achievements was her leadership on the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, where she chaired discussions that significantly impacted public employee retirement plans. This year, the commission advanced a bill that increased pensions for teachers, firefighters, and police, receiving substantial bipartisan support. Wolgamott emphasized that Her’s finance background greatly contributed to crafting legislation that balanced the needs of various public employee retirement plans.
Her’s collaborative nature was also highlighted by Tim O’Driscoll, a Republican representative who worked closely with her on the House Commerce Committee. O’Driscoll commended her ability to navigate compromises, stating, “The folks in St. Paul could benefit from that experience… she’s willing to work until we get to the right answer.” This skill will be crucial as she transitions to the mayoral office, particularly in the context of a closely divided legislature where cooperation is essential.
Her’s work on the Commerce Committee, one of the key legislative bodies in Minnesota, involved overseeing a broad range of policies. This year, the committee addressed issues from cannabis regulation to tenant rights and initiated a proposal for a reporting requirement for lost and stolen firearms. The gun theft bill, which aimed to mandate reporting within 48 hours, passed the House in 2024 but did not advance in the Senate.
Community Focus and Future Plans
Her’s legislative record also reflects a commitment to community issues, such as her sponsorship of a bill banning child marriage in Minnesota, which successfully passed in 2020. This focus aligns with her vision for St. Paul, where she aims to prioritize the needs and voices of constituents.
As Her prepares to lead the city, her colleagues believe her reputation for thoroughness and preparedness will serve St. Paul well. Rich Ginsberg, a lobbyist with extensive experience at the Minnesota Capitol, remarked on her ability to create well-crafted legislation that resonates with both constituents and lobbyists. He expressed confidence that Her’s approach will foster positive change in the city.
With her extensive background in legislative processes, Her is poised to navigate the challenges of her new role. Her leadership style, characterized by a commitment to detail and collaboration, is expected to have a significant impact on St. Paul’s governance. As she steps into her role at City Hall, the community looks forward to her vision for a responsive and effective municipal government.
