Kenyan-Born Huldah Hiltsley Momanyi Makes History as First Kenyan-American to Secure Seat in Minnesota House of Representatives

By Orenge Wycliff

Kenyan-Born Huldah Hiltsley Momanyi Makes History as First Kenyan-American to Secure Seat in Minnesota House of Representatives

Kisii, Kenya, November 6, 2024 — In a historic victory that has captivated both Kenyan and American political circles, Huldah Hiltsley Momanyi has made history by securing a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She becomes the first Kenyan-born politician to hold office in the United States, after winning her race with an overwhelming 64.78% of the vote. Momanyi’s election represents a breakthrough not only for her personally but also for the African immigrant community in Minnesota and the United States as a whole.

Momanyi, who will represent District 38A, which covers the southwestern parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo, is now part of the state’s Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party caucus. Her victory is especially significant in a district that is home to a diverse population, with about 66% of its residents identifying as people of colour, a substantial proportion of whom are African immigrants. Momanyi’s success is a reflection of the growing political influence of African immigrants in the United States and serves as a testament to the power of representation.

The Road to Victory

Huldah Hiltsley Momanyi’s journey to the Minnesota House of Representatives has been anything but conventional. Born and raised in Kenya, she moved to the United States to further her education and career. A graduate of Bethel University, Momanyi has long been involved in community work, particularly in advocating for the needs of underrepresented groups in society. It was this passion for uplifting marginalized communities that eventually inspired her to pursue a career in politics.

“I’ve always been deeply committed to advocating for the people in my community, especially those who have often been overlooked in the policymaking process,” said Momanyi in a post-election statement. “I entered politics because I wanted to ensure that the voices of those who look like me, who come from communities like mine, are heard in the halls of power.”

District 38A, which is notably diverse, provided Momanyi with a unique opportunity to run on a platform that speaks directly to the needs of the community. She focused her campaign on issues like affordable housing, equitable access to education and healthcare, and creating economic opportunities that would benefit all residents of the district, regardless of their background or status.

Her win is not just a personal achievement, but also a victory for the African diaspora in the U.S., particularly Kenyan immigrants who have historically been underrepresented in American politics. As a Kenyan-American, she brings a distinct perspective to the political arena, one that can bridge gaps between different immigrant communities and the broader American electorate.

Momanyi’s success was not just a product of her hard work and dedication; it also reflects the changing demographics of Minnesota and the growing political power of African immigrants. According to recent census data, African immigrants are one of the fastest-growing populations in the state, and as their numbers increase, so does their influence on local politics.

Her victory also underscores the importance of community engagement in modern electoral politics. Throughout her campaign, Momanyi made it a point to engage directly with voters, hosting town halls and listening sessions to understand their concerns. This hands-on approach helped her build a grassroots network that was key to her electoral success.

A Diverse District, A Unified Vision

District 38A, which includes parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo, is one of the most diverse districts in the state of Minnesota. In addition to its large African immigrant population, the district is also home to significant numbers of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents. This diverse demographic made Momanyi’s candidacy especially appealing, as her platform resonated with a wide array of voters from various backgrounds.

“District 38A is a place where people from all over the world have come together to build new lives, and that diversity is our strength,” Momanyi explained. “I want to make sure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to succeed and thrive, regardless of where they come from or how long they’ve been here.”

Momanyi’s focus on affordable housing, equitable education, healthcare, and economic opportunities has struck a chord with many voters who are struggling with issues such as rising housing costs, limited access to quality education, and healthcare disparities. In a district with a high percentage of immigrant and low-income families, these issues are top of mind for many residents.

“My parents immigrated to this country seeking better opportunities, and we still face many of the same challenges today,” said one of her supporters, Ana Herrera, a resident of Brooklyn Park. “Huldah understands our struggles because she has lived them. She is one of us.”

In her campaign speeches, Momanyi emphasized her commitment to creating policies that would address the root causes of poverty and inequality, from increasing funding for public schools to expanding affordable healthcare options for working families. These are not just talking points for her; they are deeply personal issues that affect her and many of her constituents on a daily basis.

An Advocate for the African Immigrant Community

For Kenyan-Americans and other African immigrants in the United States, Momanyi’s election is particularly symbolic. Her win signals that African immigrants are not only a growing presence in American society, but that they are also becoming an integral part of the political landscape.

Kenyan immigrants, in particular, have made significant contributions to various sectors in the U.S., including healthcare, business, and education. However, they have long been underrepresented in American politics, both at the local and national levels. Momanyi’s election to the Minnesota state legislature is a step toward changing that narrative.

“I am proud to represent the African community in Minnesota,” Momanyi said. “Our voices are often drowned out in mainstream politics, but this election shows that we are here, and we are not going anywhere. We are part of the fabric of this country, and we deserve a seat at the table.”

Momanyi’s candidacy also highlights the increasing political sophistication of the African immigrant community. In the past, many African immigrants in the U.S. were not as politically engaged as other groups, but in recent years, that has begun to change. Organizations like the African American Civic Engagement Project and African Immigrant Services have been working to increase political participation among African immigrants, and Momanyi’s victory is a testament to the success of these efforts.

The Challenges Ahead

While Momanyi’s election is a historic achievement, her journey is far from over. As a first-time candidate, she will undoubtedly face challenges in her new role as a legislator. The political environment in Minnesota, like much of the country, is highly polarized, and she will have to work hard to build relationships with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

In addition, she will need to navigate the complexities of state-level politics, where the issues are often far more complicated than they appear at first glance. While her platform on affordable housing and education resonates with many voters, turning those promises into tangible policy changes will require skill, negotiation, and persistence.

Despite these challenges, Momanyi is optimistic about the future. She is confident that her background in community organizing, coupled with her deep commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents, will help her succeed in her new role.

“I’m here to make a difference, and I believe that together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Minnesota,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Huldah Hiltsley Momanyi’s election is a landmark moment for both Kenyan-Americans and African immigrants in the United States. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but a triumph for the growing political power of immigrant communities. As she prepares to take her seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, all eyes will be on her as she works to address the issues that matter most to her district and continues to pave the way for future generations of African and immigrant politicians in the United States.

For now, though, Momanyi is focused on the road ahead. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, and I’m ready for the challenge.”