“Kenyan-Born Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley Makes History in Minnesota House Win”

Kenyan-born Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley has won a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, securing 64.78% of the vote to represent southwestern Brooklyn Park and Osseo. Running as a Democrat, she is the first Kenyan-born immigrant elected to any state legislature in the U.S. and the first Black woman senator in Minnesota’s history.

Born in Nyamira County, Kenya, in 1985, Huldah moved with her family to Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, at age nine. She later attended Bethel University, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in international business, international relations, and reconciliation studies, followed by a master’s in global business management. This strong academic background has fueled her political aspirations and community-centered work.

Huldah is married to Bart Hiltsley, and they have a daughter, Jaydah Rae. She attributes her husband as her greatest supporter in her political journey. Her commitment to public service is deeply personal, shaped by her father’s own struggles with deportation, eventually resolved through community advocacy and support, which granted him permanent residency.

Throughout her career, Huldah has been dedicated to empowering women and immigrants, particularly women of color and immigrant families. Her campaign drew attention for its grassroots approach, leveraging data-driven strategies to connect effectively with voters.

Huldah’s journey from Kenya to a seat in the Minnesota House symbolizes the transformative impact of resilience and advocacy. Her success embodies a powerful story of determination, as she breaks new ground in U.S. politics, championing her community’s needs.