Editor's Review

Kenyan-born politician Huldah Momanyi has secured a second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives after winning the 2026 United States midterm elections.

Kenyan-born politician Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley has secured a second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives after winning the 2026 United States midterm elections with a victory in District 38A.

According to unofficial election results, Momanyi-Hiltsley garnered 9,852 votes, representing 71.8 per cent of the total votes cast, comfortably defeating her Republican challenger, Charlie Kistler, who received 3,840 votes, or 28 per cent.

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In an update on Wednesday, November 4, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party legislator expressed gratitude to voters, campaign volunteers and supporters who contributed to her victory.

"You have sent me back to the Minnesota House! I am deeply grateful for your trust, your votes, and every volunteer and supporter who helped make this victory possible," she wrote.

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Momanyi also reaffirmed her commitment to serving residents of District 38A, describing the opportunity to represent the community as an honour.

"Serving you is an honor, and I’m ready to keep working for our community," she added.

Momanyi first made history in 2024 when she won the District 38A seat, becoming the first Kenyan-born immigrant to serve in a state legislature in the United States.

During her first term, she served on several legislative committees, including those dealing with housing finance, human services and legacy funding.

File image of Huldah Momanyi campaign trail

Notably, the 2026 US midterm elections produced a major political shake-up, with the Democratic Party securing a sweeping victory in both chambers of Congress.

Democrats easily recaptured the House of Representatives, ending Republican control of the lower chamber, while also unexpectedly flipping the Senate after winning at least seven seats in traditionally Republican strongholds.

Exit polls indicated that approximately 90 per cent of voters considered the cost of living a major factor in deciding how to vote, while about two-thirds blamed President Donald Trump for rising prices.

Several historic victories also stood out across different states, including Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.

In the same state, Democrat Jocelyn Benson successfully retained the governorship for her party, delivering another victory for Democrats in the key swing state.

Texas also recorded a major political breakthrough after Democrat James Talarico defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Ken Paxton to become the state's first Democratic senator in 38 years. 

Democrat Gina Hinojosa also won the gubernatorial race, becoming Texas' first Hispanic governor.

In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton secured a Senate seat that had been held by Republicans for nearly a century.

Georgia also made history after Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won the gubernatorial race, becoming the first Black woman to serve as governor in the United States.

Meanwhile, Democrats' takeover of the House of Representatives positioned Hakeem Jeffries to become the first Black Speaker of the US House of Representatives.