November’s surprising elections that lifted Kaohly Her to leadership in St. Paul and saw Jacob Frey’s return to Minneapolis culminated this week in inauguration ceremonies offering hints at how the leaders may approach their roles over the next four years.
But while Her’s ceremony felt almost like an introduction to a relative newcomer, Frey, voted in for a third term, hammered well-worn themes.
“First” was the word of the day at St. Paul’s St. Catherine University, hosting Her’s inauguration — not only the first female mayor of the city, but the first to be a woman of color, an Asian-American, an immigrant and of Hmong ancestry.
The St. Kate’s location offered a symbolic touch as one of the only women’s colleges in the nation and an establishment with strong outreach to the Hmong community.
A color guard walks to the stage during St. Paul mayor Kaohly Her’s inauguration in The O’Shaughnessy auditorium at St. Catherine’s University on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. Credit: Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost/CatchLight Local/Report for America
Following accolades from friends and fellow officials, Her laid down what she said were foundational aspects of her mayorship, like concerns over rising property taxes and deferred maintenance of city resources, like arenas.
“I will never come to you without numbers, data points or a plan,” Her said.
Compare that to Mayor Frey’s inauguration, held at the Pantages Theater in downtown Minneapolis as part of the swearing in of public officials including the Minneapolis City Council.
Frey needs no introduction to most of the city’s residents — certainly not to the protesters who interrupted the beginning of his speech by yelling the names of domestic violence victims and holding up flags emblazoned with “FTP,” a phrase often used to disparage law enforcement.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is sworn in for a third term by City Clerk Casey Carl on Jan. 5, 2026, as his wife Sarah and daughters Frida and Estelle look on at the Pantages Theater in downtown Minneapolis. Credit: Trevor Mitchell
The mayor drew on previous terms, saying his administration would continue leaning into their work to support more affordable housing throughout the city, build more diverse public safety departments and revitalize areas like the former Kmart site along Lake Street.
Frey’s speech neatly compared what he said were national crises, like ICE raids, to Minneapolis’ harsh winters, saying the best way to weather both was together. And in a nod that seemed aimed at the City Council’s recent dysfunction, he repeated some councilors’ calls “not for chaos or blame, but for partnership.”
Her commented on recent federal attention as well, saying the Trump administration was “determined to make life more difficult.” She shared a goal of removing federal officers’ ability to stage in public parks and wear masks.
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“I am determined not to allow this federal administration to turn us against each other,” Her said.
Both mayors bemoaned the current state of politics, with Frey alluding to the “frayed and even dangerous discourse” faced not only by candidates but by campaign teams and families. Her became emotional speaking about her friendship with late House speaker Melissa Hortman, assassinated in June.
Asked by MinnPost about their colleagues across the river, Her said, “the bond between St. Paul and Minneapolis is one of the most unique and special connections in the whole country. It’s what makes our region so great.” Her mentioned her hope to share meals and advice with Frey, “like we did last month.”
Frey called the Twin Cities’ partnership “the strongest force in Minnesota.” In Her, he said he has “a partner who believes that cities should be relentlessly focused on delivering for our residents and improving lives. I can’t wait to work with her to lift up both of our cities.”
Both mayors clearly shared at least one goal: an interest in their audience leaving the inaugurations energized.
In Minneapolis, Frey and others onstage broke out dance moves to Kennadi Watkins’ rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady.”
In St. Paul, as people made their way to the doors, “Golden,” from the hit film “KPop Demon Hunters” — a song about claiming the many contrasting identities within one person — blasted over the speakers.
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