St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has elected Nadia Mohamed, a 27-year-old Somali American, as its mayor, in what is believed to be the first time a Somali American has been elected mayor of a U.S. city by direct vote.
Mohamed defeated retired banker Dale A. Anderson by a margin of 58% to 41%. She had previously served on the City Council since 2019.
I am deeply honored by the outpour of support by everyone. This election is a momentous one and I am truely grateful for the opportunity to lead this great city.
Remember, this is a milestone, not the destination.
Thank you everyone 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/JUdgNInRKy
— Nadia Mohamed (@Nadia_Mohameds) November 9, 2023
In her victory speech, Mohamed said that her election was a “milestone,” but that it was not the “destination.” She pledged to ensure that all residents of St. Louis Park see themselves reflected in the city’s policies.
I have no words tonight other than thank you! Thank you St. Louis Park for placing your trust and faith in me! đź’ś
— Nadia Mohamed (@Nadia_Mohameds) November 8, 2023
Mohamed campaigned on a platform of investing in community policing and making homeownership more affordable. She also spoke about the courage of her mother, who immigrated to St. Louis Park from Somalia, inspiring her to enter politics at a young age.
