St. Paul City Council president Mitra Jalali to resign
The Brief
St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali announced her resignation to prioritize her health, effective after the Feb. 5 council meeting.
Jalali cited the strain of serving as an elected leader.
The council will appoint an interim representative for her ward until a special election is held.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - St. Paul City Council president Mitra Jalali says she plans to resign from office to focus on her health.
What we know
In a Facebook post from Friday, Jalali says her final city council meeting will be on Feb. 5.
In the post, Jalali explains working in politics has put a strain on her health. She says the signs "became clear through conversations with my care providers" in 2023, as she was running for her third term in office.
"Being an elected official is a privilege. It also carries human costs that are far less visible than the role you are elected to," she explained. "It is not an easy job, and if you are doing it well, it shouldn't be. But when your body is telling you that you shouldn't be in the place that you come to work everyday, it knows something that you have to listen to."
What they're saying
In her statement, Jalali reflected on her time in office and thanked her constituents for support over the years.
"There is so much more I want to say about our accomplishments together, and the extensive gratitude I need to express to countless people who formed the foundation for those victories," Jalali wrote. "You are my compass. You are my Why."
What's next
Following Feb. 5, Jalali says she will begin a leave of absence as she transitions out of office. The council will choose a new president and work to appoint an interim member to serve Jalali's ward until a special election can take place.
Jalali's current term runs through 2028.
As for Jalali, she only says about her future: "My story is not over, but this chapter is ending. Thank you for the honor to serve as your Councilwoman and Council President. It is with deep love in my heart for Saint Paul and a belief in its ability to succeed that I share my news with you, and look to a healthier future."
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