St. Louis Park City Council member Nadia Mohamed is planning to make history a second time by becoming the city’s first Black, first Somali, and first Muslim mayor.
Nadia, 26, first broke barriers when she was elected to the council in 2019, becoming the city’s first Somali, first Muslim, and youngest council member. If she wins her bid for mayor this fall, she would become the youngest person ever elected to the west metro suburb’s top public office.
Many believe she would also become the first Somali mayor in Minnesota. Additionally, Nadia would potentially become the second Somali mayor in the country, and would be the first elected Somali mayor. Deqa Dhalac became the country’s first Somali mayor in 2021 when the city board of South Portland, Maine, appointed her to the position.
“I love our city, I love the work that I’ve done for the past four years,” Nadia said. “I want to continue being a leader and bring my lived experience to the forefront of my decisionmaking. I want the city to be empathetic to people in need. That’s why I want to run.”
“She’s very inquisitive and curious,” said Dumalag, who is Filipina and also a first-generation immigrant. “She’s always been accessible, has new American viewpoints, and is also super tied to the community.”
Nadia also volunteers around the community. She spent an afternoon at the State Capitol last week to celebrate Somali Day and to support the Muslim community in the wake of alleged arson at two south Minneapolis mosques. Several Minnesota legislators, other elected officials, and community leaders gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 26 to denounce the fires and express solidarity with the Muslim community.
Nadia’s first public campaign event is planned for Wednesday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Nadia Mohamed could become Minnesota’s first Somali mayor, and only the second in the nation
Nadia Mohamed was elected to the St. Louis Park City Council in 2019, becoming the council’s first Muslim, Somali, and youngest council member.
