Huldah Momanyi: On The Cusp Of History in Minnesota

Huldah Momanyi was only 9 years old when she migrated to America. Born and raised in Nyamira-Magombo, a small rural area in Kenya, she didn’t have much to dream about in those days. Life was simple, and opportunities seemed limited. But what she did see was her grandmother—her father’s mother—working tirelessly. This strong woman would wake up before dawn, tending to the farm, selling vegetables at the market, and doing whatever she could to ensure that Huldah’s father had the opportunity to attend school. Her grandmother’s relentless efforts became a symbol of sacrifice and perseverance, planting the seeds of ambition in Huldah’s young heart.

Fast forward to today, and Huldah is on the verge of making history. In November, she stands a chance to become the first Kenyan ever elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives, representing Senate District 38A. Her victory in the Democratic Party primary already marked a significant milestone, but her eyes are set on something bigger—becoming a trailblazer not just for herself, but for Kenyans and immigrants everywhere. It’s a journey that her ancestors could never have imagined.

As Shakespeare once wrote, "Dreams are the children of an idle brain, begot of nothing but vain fantasy." In the 1980s, in Nyamira, anyone might have quoted Shakespeare if Huldah had dared to declare that one day she would make history as the first Kenyan-born elected to state House of Representatives in the United States.

Huldah’s father was the first in their family to migrate to America in the 1980s. He left his wife—Huldah’s mother—behind, with the promise of helping the family join him once he got settled. True to his word, her mother migrated in the early 1990s, and in 1995, Huldah and her siblings followed. While her parents worked hard to create a stable foundation in America, Huldah stayed with her uncle in Kenya, who made sure she still had a familiar, nurturing presence around her.

Huldah recalls her childhood fondly. She had a happy upbringing, not just because of her close-knit family but because she was a teacher’s child. Back in those days in Kenya, being the child of a teacher carried a special kind of respect. Other children often viewed teacher’s kids as if they were almost royalty. Even though her parents struggled with the meager income from their teaching jobs, they were content.

But when her father migrated to America, the village suddenly saw her in a different light. She became “the kid whose dad is in America,” a title that carried an aura of mystery and awe.

When Huldah finally joined her family in the U.S., she was greeted by the harsh Minnesota winter, a far cry from the warmth of Nyamira. Snow piled up on every corner, and she couldn’t help but wonder why her father had chosen this cold, snowy state, famously known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” She later learned that Minnesota, while chilly, is known for its cultural diversity and strong immigrant communities—a fact that would play a significant role in shaping her journey.

Her biggest culture shock? Pizza and burgers! She was baffled as to why Americans would eat what seemed to her like bread with meat stuffed inside. “Why would anyone choose this when there’s ugali and sukumawiki?” she remembers thinking. But soon, she adapted, though her first love would always be the familiar tastes of home.

Once in America, the reality of immigrant life set in. Huldah’s parents worked 2-3 jobs to make ends meet, and the family lived in a cramped apartment. The America she had imagined—a land of instant prosperity—wasn’t what she experienced. Yet through it all, her family’s joy and determination never wavered.

Life in America didn’t mean escaping chores either. Huldah ’s parents ensured she stayed grounded by assigning her the same responsibilities she had back in Nyamira. Cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her younger siblings became part of her routine. When her classmates found out, they were often shocked. “You have to do chores?” they would ask, their privileged upbringing shielding them from such realities. Huldah, however, knew that the values her parents instilled in her were the very things that would one day set her apart.

What Huldah didn’t know at the time was that her father was quietly fighting a much larger battle—securing the family’s immigration status. For years, they lived under a cloud of uncertainty. The jobs her parents could get were limited, and their future was always hanging in the balance. After 11 years of struggle, just when deportation seemed inevitable, they finally won their case. Their victory came in the nick of time—48 hours before they were due to board a plane back to Kenya as deportees.

With tears in her eyes, Huldah remembers the moment they received their green cards, not just as a piece of paper, but as the key to unlocking every door they had dreamed of. “That became my drive. Their sacrifices were not in vain,” she says.

In high school, Huldah became a star athlete, excelling in every sport she tried. In college, she took more classes than most students, eventually graduating with three degrees. Later, she completed her master’s degree, continuing to push herself beyond what anyone thought possible.

As we sit in a quiet room, Huldah pauses, her gaze fixed on some distant point, as if searching for the right words. “A lot of us immigrants... we settle,” she tells me, her voice reflective. “When you look at the American dream, there’s so much this country offers that we don’t even know about. We just want to send money back to Kenya. And don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with that. But the opportunities here? Most people don’t take advantage of them.”

This is why Huldah is running for office. She refuses to settle.

When I ask her if her grandmother could ever have dreamed of her campaigning in America, Huldah laughs heartily. “This wasn’t in any of my ancestors’ dreams. They didn’t imagine a world where a child in their lineage would move to a foreign land and run for political office! Even my father couldn’t believe it. When I told him I was running to be president of the ‘Mwanyagetinge’ Group here in Minnesota, he told me, ‘Wacha siasa wewe!’ (Stop with the politics!) she says, shaking her head with a smile. But she ran, and she won. Her dad is now her number one supporter.

As she reflects on her grandmother’s sacrifices for her father’s education, Huldah is clear about her own mission. “I’m fighting to create opportunities I didn’t have for my kids. I don’t know what battles they’ll face in the future, but it’s my job to create an environment where they’ll have the best shot at life.”

In November, Huldah will face Republican candidate Brad Olsen. In the primaries, Huldah and her team ran a data-driven campaign, led by Director of Data Mike Vogel with the help of Ryan Jancik to help analyze voter profiles in intricate detail. With that information, she and her team canvassed over 10,000 registered voters and , made countless calls to registered voters.

If elected, Huldah says her first day will be focused on orientation. We both laugh at the simplicity of her answer, but she quickly adds, “I want to champion bills that focus on safety, equitable housing and healthcare. When we take care of public safety, businesses thrive, and families feel secure. My district is the most diverse in Minnesota, and I want to make sure everyone irrespective of race or place in society gets the healthcare they deserve. As a mother, affordable childcare is also at the top of my list. Working families are constantly juggling between jobs and finding affordable, safe care for their kids. I know what that struggle is like.”

At 5’11, Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley is an imposing figure, with a presence that radiates confidence and determination. Married and a mother of two, she carries the weight of her family’s dreams—and the hopes of her community—with grace and grit.

Let us help Huldah bring this home by donating to her campaing! CLICK HERE