Mayor Her’s historic inauguration at the O’Shaughnessy
By Eleanor Anderson
This fall, Saint Paul elected its first female, first Hmong and first refugee mayor: Kaohly Her. Given that Saint Kate’s is one of the few minority-serving institutions and the women-focused institutions - and the only one within Saint Paul - Her decided to hold her inauguration on our campus. On January 2, 2026, over 1,300 Saint Paul residents, St. Kate’s students, staff, faculty and Minnesota public figures gathered in the O'Shaughnessy to officially swear in the new mayor.
The event was free to anyone living within the city. Residents ventured out of their houses on a cold day to welcome the new year and the new mayor. Members of Her’s campaign staff, families with young children and proud Hmong Minnesotans filled the theater well into the balcony, creating a powerful compilation of community. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Representative Betty McCollum, Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi were among the several political leaders in attendance.
While speeches about her unwavering friendship and commitment to policymaking highlighted the impact that Her has had on those around her, Mayor Her’s inaugural address was a moving testimony to her deeply-rooted emotional drive to make the world better. As part of the opening, Her shared personal stories about the loss of her close personal friend and colleague, Melissa Hortman, the former Minnesota Speaker of the House, who was assassinated in her home last summer. She shed light on what it means to be a public figure in a volatile political time, and why the mayoral office is so important for improving lives on a local level. To conclude, she brought out several historic intersectional leaders for women’s rights in Minnesota, including our very own university president Dr. Marcheta Evans, to highlight that no barrier is broken by one leader alone, but rather a team of powerful individuals that work together to make change.
The program of the inauguration included a presentation of colors, singing of the national anthem, a welcome, a land acknowledgment, invocation, performances, remarks by various speakers, the oath of office, Mayor Her’s inaugural address, and a final benediction.
Rachel Droogsma, PhD, a staff member from Community Work and Learning, cut her own winter break a little bit short to volunteer at the inauguration. She recognized the historic nature of Mayor Her’s election, and “wanted to help visitors feel welcome here at St. Kate's and at the O'Shaughnessy.” Unlike many modern-day political events that can be contentious at best, Droogsma noted that the energy in the room was positive and uplifting. “I loved how supportive and celebratory the event was,” she said, even noting that Melvin Carter - the former Mayor of Saint Paul who lost his bid for re-election to Her - was stationed in the front row, encouraging a warm and amiable transfer of power.
It’s easy to feel bogged down by the negative news that comes from national and state-level politics and governance. However, moments like this remind us that there is power in the community. Regardless of partisan affiliation, the fact that Saint Kate’s had the opportunity to contribute to the historic inauguration of Saint Paul’s first female, Hmong and refugee mayor signifies once again what an incredible community we create on campus and in the broader Saint Paul community.
