A state legislator is joining the race to challenge St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.
Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, DFL-St. Paul, announced her candidacy Monday. Her has represented the city’s Summit-Dale, Macalester-Groveland and Merriam Park neighborhoods in the Minnesota House since 2019.
She served as a policy aide for Carter during his first term.
In the last legislative session Her was co-chair of the House Commerce, Finance and Policy Committee, and sat on the House Tax Committee.
On a campaign website, Her says, “Our city needs safe streets, strong schools, and thriving neighborhoods. The cost of living continues to rise, our emergency services are stretched to the limit, housing is expensive and out of reach for many, and economic growth is at a standstill.”
She also said the city needs a leader to address President Trump’s tariffs, immigration policies and federal cuts.
Carter announced his campaign for a third term on X in February. He has served since 2018.
Her joins two others who are challenging Carter for his seat. They are Yan Chen, a biophysicist at the University of Minnesota who previously ran for St. Paul City Council, and business owner Mike Hilborn, who lost a bid for a St. Paul state House seat last fall.
The candidate filing window is open until Aug. 12. Election day is Nov. 4.
