MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – On November 5, history was made as Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley became the first Kenyan-born immigrant to be elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her victory is not only a personal achievement, but a testament to resilience, determination, and the realization of the American dream.
As she stood in the State Capitol for the first time during her orientation, Hiltsley expressed her overwhelming emotions and eagerness to start her journey as an elected official. “I am super excited,” she told VOA. “Today is orientation day for new legislators, and to be standing in this Capitol as an African immigrant woman is a tremendous honor. I’m just overexcited right now.”
But this milestone did not come easily for Hiltsley. Her path to the Minnesota State Capitol was marked by struggles, including a fight against an immigration system that nearly led to her family’s deportation. She credits much of her success to the support of her community and the intervention of the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, whose advocacy ultimately secured her family’s green cards and, later, citizenship.
“Getting to this moment honestly is just a testament to the struggles that my family has gone through to be in this country,” she said.
Hiltsley’s victory has captured the attention of not only the local media, but also the Kenyan media. Celebrations have taken place in her hometown of Nyamemiso village, which is eight hours from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Despite the attention, Hiltsley remains humble.
“I’m that little girl from that little village somewhere in the middle of Kenya, and now I’m in the spotlight of this media frenzy. And so, I’m still trying to really appreciate the magnitude of the moment,” she said.
Hiltsley also has a desire to inspire others, particularly young girls in Kenya and the United States. “It is still surreal,” she said. “If I can make it to this point, I can be a role model to somebody to remind them that it is possible that our wildest dreams are possible. And that would be something that I would look back and say, wow, I’ve made a difference in somebody’s life.”
Looking ahead, Hiltsley is committed to championing issues that matter to her constituents in Minnesota’s Legislative District 38A. Her priorities include community-centered public safety policies, affordable housing options, workers’ rights, and support for small businesses – many of which are run by African immigrants.
“The resources are out here,” she said, promising to empower her community. “It is my job to go back to my community and tell them, hey, there are resources here. This is how this system works. Let’s work together to mobilize and make sure that we are also taking a piece of the pie.”
As the first Kenyan American woman in Minnesota’s Legislature, Hiltsley acknowledges the weight and responsibility of her position. She describes it as “an honor that I don’t take lightly.”
“I don’t want to be the last,” she added, expressing her hope that her achievement will pave the way for others. “I hope this moment right here is a testimony that you can come to this country, work hard, take care of business, know your craft, stick to it, be consistent and get to where you want to.”
Her message to those who have yet to succeed in their political campaigns is clear: perseverance is key.
“Be consistent. Keep going. There’s enough space in this Legislature for more people of color, especially immigrants, because that’s the voice that is missing,” Hiltsley said.
Hiltsley also shared her thoughts on the changing political landscape in Washington, particularly with the upcoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump. While acknowledging the challenges, she remains focused on serving her constituents in Minnesota, regardless of politics.
“We are here to serve the people, and it doesn’t matter if you are Democrat or Republican,” she said. “We are here as legislators to serve the people of Minnesota.”
Hiltsley also had a heartfelt message for her fellow Kenyans who have been celebrating her historic achievement.
“This is a historical moment, and I’m honored to be a Kenyan American,” she said. “Let’s continue celebrating this victory, but after that, we have work to do.”
She said her eyes are set not only on her role in Minnesota,
