Maplewood could elect first Hmong mayor with Chonburi Lee’s run for office

Chonburi Lee grew up in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood but as a child visited Maplewood so much, swimming and playing at a community center, that he aspired to live there one day. Today, Lee, 38, sits on the Maplewood City Council and in August gained the most primary votes for mayor. He could become the first Hmong leader of a city where 20% of the population is Hmong. He is running for mayor of Maplewood focusing on a new leadership style, the rising cost of living and starting a new chapter for families. Lee said the city’s dynamics and demographics have changed, and officials must cater to those people. Lee led in the August primary with 44% of the vote, followed by incumbent Mayor Marylee Abrams with 31%. Diana Longrie, a former mayor, was knocked out of the race, with 25%. Chonburi Lee is running for Mayor of Maplewood, pictured on October 6, 2026. Credit: Dymanh Chhoun | Sahan Journal Abrams, elected in 2019, had raised $1,300 for her campaign before the pri