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A Judge.
A Neighbor.
Justice for All.

Judge Der Yang, also known to her family as Dawb Yaj, was born in a refugee camp and raised on St. Paul’s Eastside. Her life, work, and service have shaped a judge who understands both the law and the community it serves.

Learn Her Story
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GUIDED BY SERVICE

A Life Shaped by Community, Law, and Justice.

I LISTEN

Every person deserves to be heard with respect and dignity.

I APPLY THE LAW

I adhere to the rule of law fairly and consistently, without fear or favor.

I SEE THE HUMANITY

I recognize trauma, addiction, and hardship—without excusing harm.

I SERVE OUR COMMUNITY

I live here. I work here. I walk the same streets you do.

A Story of Resilience. A Commitment to Justice

Judge Der Yang was born during the Hmong genocide and arrived at Ban Vinai Refugee Camp as a month-old infant after her parents fled for their lives following the Secret War. Her family later resettled on St. Paul’s Eastside, where she learned English from scratch and found strength through reading, writing, education, and the support of her community.

Before joining the bench, Judge Yang founded The Village Lawyer, a successful practice built on the belief that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, Governor Tim Walz appointed her to the Ramsey County District Court, Second Judicial District. She now serves in the criminal division at the Ramsey County Courthouse.

The Election

PRIMARY ELECTION

August 11, 2026

General Election

November 3, 2026

Support the Campaign
  • VOTE
  • VOLUNTEER
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"Most people are not defined by their worst moment. Every day on the bench reminds me that justice requires fairness, accountability, and hope. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and remain committed to serving our community with integrity."
— JUDGE DER YANG —

She believes a judge must protect the community from harm while also seeing the humanity in every person who stands before the court. Addiction, trauma, poverty, and mental health struggles are not excuses, but they are realities a fair judge cannot ignore.

Her courtroom is guided by fairness, careful listening, research-based judgment, and respect for the Constitution.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Serving with Fairness, Dignity, and Courage.

Judge Yang’s life has given her a balanced view of justice. She carries love for neighbors who live alongside crime and a clear understanding of those who commit crimes.

Rooted in Ramsey County. Committed to the Rule of Law.

Judge Yang’s story is not only a story of credentials. It is a portrait of resilience, service, and community. From refugee life to St. Paul’s Eastside, from public libraries to courtrooms, her journey has shaped the way she understands justice.

She asks for your vote to continue serving Ramsey County with fairness, kindness, constitutional duty, and respect for every person who comes before the court.

Learn More

Community Roots

The Village Lawyer

Justice with Humanity

Constitutional Duty

VOTER INFORMATION

Support Judge Der Yang

Learn more about Judge Yang’s election, her service, and ways to support the campaign.

 Judge Der Yang is a Ramsey County District Court judge appointed in 2024 by Governor Tim Walz. She serves in the Second Judicial District and is rooted in St. Paul’s Eastside community.

 The primary election will be held on August 11, 2026. The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.

 Judge Yang’s name will appear on the ballot in Ramsey County, Second Judicial District.

 You can vote, volunteer, host a small gathering, request a lawn sign, encourage neighbors to vote, or make a campaign contribution within Minnesota law.