Huldah who is from Nyamira County has become the first Kenyan-born politician to hold office in the United States.
In an emotional speech after winning the seat, excited Huldah thanked her supporters adding that her win is historical.
“This is a moment of history as I get here and share it with my community, I am excited, I cannot believe it, it is history in the making, we worked so hard getting to this point.
“I stand here as the first Kenyan born to serve in office in the U.S.,” Huldah said.
In addition, Huldah said that her victory not only represents personal achievement but also for those who believed in their vision and community unity in District 38A.
“This victory not only belongs to me but to every single person who believed in our vision for District 38, we celebrate a win for our community for our shared values and collective future. We have an opportunity here to build bridges and foster a community that celebrates everyone’s heritage and potential,” she said.
She was running under the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, and she won with 64.78% of the vote defeating Republican candidate Brad Olson in the race for Minnesota House District 38A which includes the southwestern parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
District 38A is a notably diverse area, with about 66% of residents identifying as people of colour, a large portion of whom are African immigrants.
“Congratulations to Kenyan-born American Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley for making history by winning a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The first Kenyan-born individual to be elected to office in the entire United States! Born in Nyamira County in 1985 and moved to the United States at the age of nine. Your historic win is indeed a source of pride for Kenya and a testament to the achievements of the Kenyan diaspora in the United States. Congratulations!” Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris wrote.
“Heartfelt congratulations to my Sister Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley on your victory in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Your achievement is a powerful testament to the truth that no human is limited. Your success inspires us all to believe in the possibilities that dedication and hard work can bring. Wishing you every success as you represent and serve,” Nairobi CEC Geoffrey Mosiria said.
