St. Paul Mayor Targeted in Investigation Amid Power Struggles and Gendered Scrutiny
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Mayor Kaohly Her faces a city-ordered sexual harassment investigation after allegations of inappropriate conduct, including texts to a city employee. Critics argue that the investigation reflects entrenched patriarchal power structures and political retaliation, as the police chief's attorney signals possible litigation.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is now the subject of a city-commissioned sexual harassment investigation, a move that many see as yet another example of how women—especially women of color—are disproportionately targeted and scrutinized in positions of power. The mayor’s attorney confirmed that the police chief’s lawyer sent a letter on April 1 accusing Her of sending 'inappropriate and ... unlawful text messages' to a city employee, with litigation 'reasonably foreseeable.'
Former deputy police chief Joe Thompson, now represented by former acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson, has made sensational claims that Her displayed her breasts and made sexual comments to the deputy chief in a police department locker room, and that she made sexualized noises in the gym. A former City Hall staffer also alleged that Her had repeatedly grabbed a male colleague’s buttocks in public and referenced the incidents to others.
Mayor Her, who has consistently advocated for marginalized communities, issued a statement affirming her respect for the investigative process and expressing confidence that the full facts will come to light. She also voiced regret for any unintended consequences of her actions. Police Chief Axel Henry, representing an institution with a long history of resisting reform, sent an email urging staff to respect the investigation and avoid speculation.
The city’s human-resources department, rather than handling the matter internally, has hired an outside law firm—raising questions about the use of public funds and the motivations behind escalating the probe. The mayor’s office described the investigation as a standard response, but the public reaction has been polarized: some, echoing reactionary calls for Her’s resignation, while others defend her as a bold, unfiltered leader challenging the status quo.
This investigation unfolds against a backdrop of persistent city challenges, including budget debates, tensions between police and unhoused residents, and controversial plans to clear homeless encampments—issues that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable and are too often sidelined by sensationalist distractions.