In a groundbreaking electoral victory, Nadia Mohamed has etched her name in history as the newly elected mayor of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. This milestone not only makes her the city’s first Black mayor in 170 years but also positions her as the first Somali American mayor in Minnesota and only the second known Somali mayor in U.S. history.
The mayoral race saw Nadia Mohamed securing an impressive 58% of the vote against Dale A. Anderson, a retired banker, showcasing widespread support for her candidacy. Declaring her aspirations as mayor, Mohamed expressed her commitment to ensuring that the city’s policies reflect the diverse community it serves.
“As mayor, I want to make sure people see themselves reflected in our policies,” she declared.
Jake Spano, former mayor, highlighted the qualities necessary for the mayoral role, stating, “One thing I’ve learned over the years is that to do the job of mayor, you have to love people, love solving problems and believe in the people in your community to do good things. Councilmember Mohamed and I agree on this.”
Nadia Mohamed’s journey to this historic achievement has deep roots, with her family emigrating to Kenya after the Somali Civil War. She spent her early years in the Kakuma refugee camp before immigrating to St. Louis Park at the age of 10. Growing up in the St. Louis Park School District, Mohamed quickly became an integral part of the community.
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In 2020, at the age of 23, Nadia Mohamed made history by becoming the youngest person ever to serve on the St. Louis Park City Council. Her rapid rise in local politics reflects her passion for public service and her dedication to creating positive change.
St. Louis Park, with a population that is 80% white, presented unique challenges and opportunities for Mohamed. Throughout her campaign, she focused on critical issues, emphasizing her commitment to increasing homeownership and implementing community policing strategies.
Nadia Mohamed’s victory resonates beyond local politics, as she joins the ranks of prominent Somali American elected officials, including State Senator Zaynab Mohamed. The two have been best friends since sixth grade, and their collective achievements mark a significant contribution to the diverse and inclusive landscape of Minnesota politics. Senator Zaynab Mohamed herself made history in 2022 as one of the first Black women elected to the State Senate.
As Nadia Mohamed assumes the role of mayor, she carries the hopes and aspirations of a community that has rallied behind her historic candidacy, marking a new era in the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s political landscape.
