In a recent interview with NTV, Minnesota’s newly elected House Representative Huldah Momanyi detailed her family’s challenging immigration history.
Momanyi’s father emigrated to the United States in the 1980s, followed by her mother, while she and her siblings remained in Kenya with their uncle. The family reunited in the United States in 1995, but their journey was complicated by extensive legal battles to secure their immigration status. Over the course of more than a decade, Momanyi’s parents navigated a complex and often unforgiving immigration system, ultimately facing imminent deportation.
A critical turning point occurred when their church community mobilized in support. They reached out to then-Senator Paul Wellstone, who was known for his advocacy for immigrant rights and steadfast belief in the American Dream. Wellstone’s intervention, including direct calls and organization of protests, proved effective. Remarkably, within 48 hours, the deportation order was reversed, allowing the Momanyi family to remain in the United States.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Momanyi expresses deep gratitude for the support they received, attributing their success to divine intervention and community advocacy. She notes that had the deportation proceeded, her life would have taken a drastically different path. Today, her role as a public servant illustrates the resilience inherent in her story and the impact of collective action.
Although she has spent many years in the United States, Momanyi maintains a strong connection to her Kenyan heritage. She is fluent in Ekegusii, reflecting her mother’s dedication to preserving their cultural identity. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley has made history as the first Kenyan-American to win a state assembly seat in the United States, securing her election for Minnesota’s District 38A under the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party for the 2025-2026 legislative session.
A mother of two and a businesswoman, Momanyi credits much of her success to a robust support system, including her husband, Bart Hiltsley, who took on primary childcare responsibilities during her campaign, and the generosity of her mother, who provided home-cooked meals to sustain her efforts. Growing up as the second of four siblings, Momanyi developed a peacemaker role within her family, which she continues as a public servant.
She draws inspiration from her grandfather, a chief, and aims to amplify the voices of minorities within Minnesota’s political landscape, particularly after her experience as president of the Mwanyagetinge organization, representing Kenyans in Minnesota. Her earlier Senate campaign in 2022, although unsuccessful, offered valuable lessons on voter engagement and campaign strategy.
Inspired by fellow legislators like Rena Moran and aided by Senator Wellstone who intervened in her family’s immigration issues, Momanyi is committed to fostering community involvement and advocating for safe neighborhoods, quality education, and accessible healthcare.
