St. Paul has elected its first ever Hmong mayor and its first ever woman to lead the city.

Rep. Kaohly Her won Tuesday’s election over incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter after a tabulation of second-choice votes.

Her victory makes not only history for the St. Paul mayor’s office, but also makes the entire leadership of the city — which also has a city council made up of all women.

She beat out Carter and three other challengers — Yan Chen, Adam Dullinger and Mike Hilborn.

"My family came here as refugees. Never in their wildest dreams would I be standing here today accepting the position of mayor, mayor of the city that gave them the opportunity to live the American dream,” Her told supporters early Wednesday morning following her victory. “I am doing this work for them, for you and for the

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