DFL challenger enters the race for St. Paul mayor

DFL Rep. Kaohly Vang Her enters St. Paul mayoral race

Minnesota Representative Kaohly Vang Her announced her run for St. Paul mayor on Monday. She’s the first high-profile challenger to take on incumbent mayor, Melvin Carter.

Her currently represents parts of St. Paul in District 64A in the Minnesota House. She was born in Laos and says her family came to the United States as refugees. She says the city needs safe streets, strong schools and thriving neighborhoods.

Carter was first elected to office in 2018. He was elected to serve a second term as mayor in 2021.

RELATED: St. Paul Mayor Carter sworn in Monday for 2nd term | St. Paul City Council, Mayor Melvin Carter at odds over $57 million development plan | St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter ‘looking forward’ to working with newly elected City Council 

He boasts accomplishments such as:

Raising the city’s minimum wage to $15/hour

Tripling free programs at city rec centers

Eliminating late fees in public libraries

Reestablishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Expanding immigrant and refugee support resources

Launching an Office of Financial Empowerment

There are two other candidates also running for St. Paul mayor. Mike Hilborn is a businessman from St. Paul. Yan Chen is also running. She’s a scientist and businesswoman.

The election is Nov. 4.

The post DFL challenger enters the race for St. Paul mayor first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.