Story perspectives

St. Paul Police Chief Files Harassment Complaint Against Mayor

7/31/2026

Summary

Mayor Her Investigated

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a sexual-harassment complaint against Mayor Kaohly Her on April 1.
Her posted a “Happy Weiner Wednesday” message with a hot-dog emoji.
Lawyer Christopher Madel ordered a forensic extraction of Her’s phones, warning that litigation is reasonably foreseeable.
Her said she is cooperating, respects the process, and is confident facts will emerge.
Council members declined comment as the probe continues.

Summary

Mayor Her Budget

Mayor Kaohly Her’s administration is preparing a budget proposal to close a projected $26 million gap, a shortfall that has heightened tension over police spending and overtime costs.
The St. Paul Police Federation said its focus will remain on supporting its members and serving the community, declining to elaborate on the harassment complaint.
The city hired Resolute Law, a St. Cloud-based firm, in early April to conduct an independent investigation.

History

Historical Context

Saint Paul’s strong mayor-council government, long dominated by Democratic leaders, saw Norm Coleman serve from 1994 to 1996 before switching parties. In 2025, Kaohly Her became the city’s first Asian-American woman mayor, inheriting a $26 million budget gap and a sexual-harassment investigation. The all-female council now reviews a 2024 budget of $820.5 million, highlighting ongoing fiscal pressures.

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Mayor Her Investigated

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a sexual-harassment complaint against Mayor Kaohly Her on April 1.
Her posted a “Happy Weiner Wednesday” message with a hot-dog emoji.
Lawyer Christopher Madel ordered a forensic extraction of Her’s phones, warning that litigation is reasonably foreseeable.
Her said she is cooperating, respects the process, and is confident facts will emerge.
Council members declined comment as the probe continues.

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