The picturesque Midwestern city of Nisswa, Minnesota, is embroiled in political turmoil as residents accuse Mayor Jennifer Carnahan of bullying after she claimed on social media that a local woman assaulted her.
The controversy has split the small community, with city council members now weighing whether to censure Carnahan or hold a vote of no confidence.
Rising Tensions Within City Hall
Carnahan, who took office in November 2024, has faced criticism since her election for high staff turnover and allegations of creating a toxic work environment.
The city currently operates without an administrator or clerk, raising questions about governance and leadership under her tenure.
The drama intensified last month when 27-year-old resident Sophie Foster emailed the mayor about overhearing Carnahan allegedly discussing ways to remove Council Member Jesse Zahn.
Foster asked for an apology on Zahn’s behalf, a request Carnahan denied ever prompting.
The Alleged Confrontation
According to police reports, Carnahan claimed Foster confronted her aggressively outside a bar one week after the email exchange and allegedly pushed a gun against her.
Foster denies the accusation, saying she was shocked to see the incident shared publicly on Facebook.
“Last night, I was physically assaulted,” Carnahan posted online, noting that she filed a police report.
Records show the case was closed and later reopened with another witness account, but prosecutors again chose not to press charges.
Council Members and Residents Speak Out
City council members have expressed concern over Carnahan’s conduct, calling her behavior “unbecoming of a mayor.”
A special meeting on Wednesday drew over 40 residents despite an eight-inch snowfall.
Carnahan did not attend, leaving council members frustrated that dialogue could not happen in person.
Council Member Bruce London told the audience, “During the past year, we have had a great deal of drama and conflict.
We need to resolve it and move forward into the new year.”
Zahn added, “She brought failed city politics to cabin country and she’s burning the cabin down.”
Residents attending the meeting described the mayor as a bully and questioned her experience with city governance.
Carnahan Refuses to Resign
In a statement, Carnahan said she skipped the council meeting because it “appeared clear from the start that it was just going to be political theater.”
She emphasized that no evidence or code violations were presented and accused council members of using official business as a platform for political retaliation.
“I was elected by the voters of Nisswa, not by this council,” Carnahan said.
“I will not resign, I will not be bullied, and I will not stop doing the job voters sent me here to do.”
She added that any censure would be a “political stunt with no impact on my commitment to serve.”
Political History and Local Fallout
Carnahan, previously the Minnesota Republican Party chair, moved to Nisswa after the death of her husband, US Rep. Jim Hagedorn, in 2022.
Her tenure has been marked by both political ambition and controversy.
She ran in a special state Senate primary just months into her mayoral role, fueling accusations from Zahn that Nisswa was merely a stepping stone.
Foster, meanwhile, said she felt supported by the community at the council meeting but insisted her goal wasn’t to attack the mayor personally.
“I think she’s made quite a bit of a mess for herself anyway,” Foster commented.
A City Divided
As Carnahan stands firm and council members consider censure or a no-confidence vote, Nisswa residents are left navigating a bitter divide.
What began as a small-town conflict has evolved into a clash of personalities, politics, and public perception, leaving the city grappling with questions about leadership and accountability.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn