Kenyan-born American Huldah Momanyi has made history by clinching a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Momanyi has broken new ground as the first Kenyan-born politician elected to office in the United States. Running under the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, she won an impressive 64.78% of the vote to secure a seat in Minnesota’s District 38A, a diverse area that includes southwestern parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
District 38A is known for its rich cultural makeup, with 66% of residents identifying as people of color, many of whom are African immigrants. Momanyi’s victory is a landmark achievement for the African immigrant community in American politics, marking a step forward for representation.
As a Minnesota State Senate member, Momanyi is committed to tackling issues such as community safety, equitable housing, and affordable healthcare. She aims to approach policymaking with a pragmatic lens, steering clear of political posturing to deliver tangible benefits for her constituents.
Reflecting on her journey, Momanyi has shared the challenges she faced as an immigrant woman of color running for office. “It’s a two-edged sword,” she noted, “where my skills, experience, and education are often questioned as if to prove my qualifications.”
Momanyi’s path to the general election included a victory in the Democratic primary, where she won 51.28% of the vote against Wynfred Russell. As a mother of two, she brings firsthand insights into issues affecting working families, including the importance of affordable childcare.
Originally from Nyamira County, Kenya, Momanyi moved to the U.S. at age nine. She later earned her Master’s degree from Bethel University, Minnesota, and has since dedicated herself to public service.
Meanwhile, on the national stage, the U.S. presidential race seems to be leaning toward Donald Trump, with his victory in Georgia positioning him as a strong contender for the White House.
