St. Paul Mayor Faces Lawsuit From Police Chief

Police department building entrance with signage — Photo: Keith Homan / Shutterstock

St. Paul’s top cop has sued the mayor, and the city’s own review still labeled her workplace conduct “offensive and inappropriate.”

Story Snapshot

Police Chief Axel Henry filed a 73-page lawsuit alleging sexual comments, unwanted touching, and retaliation.
City investigators said sexual harassment and retaliation were unsubstantiated but found “offensive and inappropriate” behavior.
Mayor Kaohly Her said she cooperated, apologized for crossed lines, and will continue leading the city.
The dispute highlights a common gap between bad conduct and what law calls harassment, fueling public distrust.

What The Lawsuit Alleges Against The Mayor

Police Chief Axel Henry sued Mayor Kaohly Her and the City of St. Paul in Ramsey County. The 73-page complaint describes repeated sexual remarks, thigh touching on two occasions, and a pattern of retaliation after he raised concerns. News outlets reported that the complaint quotes Her calling herself a “MILF” and making sexual innuendos. The suit frames a months-long pattern across late 2025 into 2026, not a single incident. These are allegations in civil court, not proven facts.

Media reports say the complaint also points to altered photos displayed in or around the chief’s office, texts, and comments that Henry viewed as part of the same pattern. Those details matter because they could support a “severe or pervasive” claim if proven. But most underlying exhibits and statements remain out of public view for now. That limits what the public can verify before depositions and discovery move forward in court.

What The City’s Investigation Found And Did Not Find

Before the lawsuit landed, the city finished an investigation sparked by Henry’s complaint. The Human Resources director said investigators could not substantiate sexual harassment or retaliation. At the same time, the city said the mayor engaged in “offensive and inappropriate behavior” with city employees. Reports summarizing the findings said investigators reviewed claims that included inappropriate texts and sexual noises while exercising, but did not substantiate them. The full report has not been released.

Mayor Her responded that she cooperated fully, respected the process, and was “gratified” harassment and retaliation claims were unsubstantiated. She also admitted some attempts at humor fell short of her standards and apologized for any discomfort she caused. Her office said she would continue to lead and follow recommendations from the review. That stance signals she does not plan to resign and will contest the lawsuit in court.

Why This Case Taps Broader Distrust In Government

Public-sector cases like this often end up in a gray zone. Investigators may find conduct that is wrong but say it does not meet the legal bar for harassment. That legal line focuses on whether conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. When leaders keep their jobs after such findings, many residents see a double standard and insider protection. That fuels the view that the system shields elites over everyday workers.

A police chief is suing his own mayor, alleging sexual harassment, unwanted touching and retaliation after he complained.

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry claims Mayor Kaohly Her called herself a "MILF," made sexually suggestive remarks about his body and placed her hand on his… pic.twitter.com/wIJvN5jJbf

— Mike Netter (@nettermike) September 27, 2026

People across the political spectrum share core questions. Did the city weigh the evidence fairly? Why not release the full report and exhibits now? Would a rank-and-file worker face tougher consequences for similar conduct? Confidence rises when facts are public. The city can help by disclosing the full investigative file and device records, within privacy limits. The court can help by moving discovery quickly so sworn testimony and documents clarify what happened.

What To Watch Next As The Case Advances

Discovery will test both stories. Depositions of Henry, the mayor, and staff could confirm or undercut key claims. Device records and preserved messages could show whether inappropriate texts existed. Any corroboration of alleged touching or comments from witnesses will matter. If evidence supports retaliation tied to staffing or budgets, damages could grow. If it does not, the case may narrow sharply. Either way, sunlight on the records is the surest path to public trust.