Kaohly Her makes history: SPAAR-endorsed candidate elected Mayor of Saint Paul

SPAAR proudly congratulates Kaohly Her on her election as the next mayor of Saint Paul. Her victory over two-term incumbent Melvin Carter marks a historic milestone — she will be the first Asian American and first woman to lead Minnesota’s capital city.

In September, through SPAAR’s annual candidate endorsement process, members interviewed Her and were so impressed with her qualifications and approach to housing issues that they voted to endorse her to be the next mayor.  Endorsing a challenger to an incumbent contradicts conventional wisdom, but SPAAR volunteers saw an opportunity to make a bold statement.   Through the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), SPAAR contributed the maximum $1,000 directly to Representative Her’s campaign.

Beyond direct support, SPAAR engaged the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) who conducted an independent expenditure campaign to share Her’s qualifications and vision for Saint Paul. This effort reached voters across social media, online platforms, and text messaging—helping to raise awareness and build momentum for her campaign.

SPAAR and NAR’s involvement played a meaningful role in helping push Her’s campaign to victory. The association believes the success of this campaign can be a model for future efforts in cities throughout SPAAR’s service area. SPAAR looks forward to a close and productive partnership with Mayor-elect Her, with optimism for a brighter, more vibrant future in Saint Paul under her leadership.