Full Breakdown
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Faces Expanding Sexual-Harassment Probe
7/31/2026, 10:39:36 PM
Investigation Overview
An independent law firm has been conducting an inquiry into Mayor Kaohly Her since April, after St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a formal complaint. The investigation, initiated earlier this year, examines alleged “inappropriate, and, indeed, unlawful” text messages and other conduct that may have created a sexualized work environment within the police department.
New Allegations and Evidence
Additional complaints reported by sources describe the mayor asking a female deputy about breast size, making sexual noises in the police gym, and covering officer portraits with images of herself. One deputy chief retired, citing a “creepy and highly-sexualized environment.”
Official Statements & Responses
Police Chief Henry sent an internal email urging staff to let the process run its course. City Council members voiced concern: Ward 4 representative Molly Coleman called the lack of transparency “unacceptable,” while Ward 3 councilwoman Saura Jost said she expects the mayor to cooperate fully and expressed frustration that the matter distracts from city challenges.
Transparency Concerns
Legal scholar Impact Jane Kirtley warned that the city faces a crisis over whether it will be open about the investigation’s nature. She questioned the device used for the messages, noting that Minnesota law permits access to private-device communications if they involve government business. Political Science Professor Larry Jacobs described the situation as “all-consuming” and “a terrible situation” for the administration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The lack of transparency related to this matter to date is unacceptable,” — Molly Coleman
- “I think what we’ve got here is a crisis, and that crisis is whether the city of St. Paul is going to be open and transparent about the nature of this investigation,” — Impact Jane Kirtley, a longtime media-law scholar
- “Was this her personal device? Was it a government-issued device? Was she otherwise using it to conduct government business?” — Impact Jane Kirtley, a longtime media-law scholar
- “This is going to be all-consuming, so all around it’s going to be a terrible situation,” — University, of Minnesota Political Science Professor Larry Jacobs
The independent probe remains ongoing, and city officials have not yet disclosed the investigation’s cost or timeline for a final report.
