Huldah Hiltsley Momanyi, a Kenyan-American from Nyamira County, has made history by winning a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, becoming the first Kenyan-born politician to hold office in the United States.
Running as a candidate for the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Party, Momanyi secured 64.78% of the vote, receiving 10,005 votes.
Her opponent, Republican Brad Olson, garnered 34.95% of the vote.
Upon her victory, the 39-year-old Momanyi expressed her gratitude to the voters, promising to be a catalyst for change in her community.
“It doesn’t feel real. I didn’t expect to do this well. 65%—that’s a big margin. It shows the hard work my team and I put into this race.” She told journalists.
“This is history in the making,” she added. “Not only am I the first Kenyan-American elected to the Minnesota Legislature, but I’m also the first Kenyan-born individual in the entire U.S. to be elected into office.”
Momanyi will now represent the districts of Southwestern Brooklyn Park and Osseo in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Born in Nyamira County, Kenya, Momanyi’s family moved to the United States when she was nine years old.
She pursued higher education at Bethel University, where she earned three Bachelor’s degrees in International Business, International Relations, and Reconciliation Studies, followed by a Master’s degree in Global Business Management.
Her victory marks a significant milestone for the Kenyan diaspora and highlights the growing influence of immigrants in U.S. politics.
