Kaohly Her, the first female mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, is under investigation for alleged sexual harassment related to text messages sent to city staffers. The inquiry comes just six months into her term and follows a formal complaint filed on April 1 by Axel Henry, the city’s police chief, with the city attorney’s office.

According to the complaint, Her sent messages characterized as “inappropriate, and indeed, unlawful” during her interactions with municipal employees. One message cited in the complaint included the phrase “Happy Weiner Wednesday” and a remark stating, “Wish I was having a [hotdog emoji] with you all on 6 today.” While the term “weiner” can colloquially refer to a hot dog, it also carries potential sexual innuendo, which has raised concerns among city officials and staff.

The mayor’s office has declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. No further details have been released regarding the scope or findings of the inquiry, and it is unclear whether additional complaints have been filed.

The investigation highlights broader discussions about workplace conduct and the responsibilities of public officials in their interactions with subordinates. Supporters of Her emphasize the need to consider the context and intent of the messages, noting that some language can be ambiguous or misinterpreted. At the same time, critics argue that elected leaders must maintain professional boundaries and avoid any behavior that could be perceived as harassment.

As the investigation continues, Saint Paul city officials have not indicated any timeline for when a resolution may be expected. The situation remains a developing story, with potential implications for Her’s future in office and for municipal workplace policies.