Brooklyn Park / Osseo, Minnesota — November 4, 2026
Kenyan-born state representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) has won re-election to Minnesota House District 38A, securing a second two-year term after defeating Republican challenger Charlie Kistler in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
According to unofficial results reported by the Minnesota Secretary of State and local outlet Hometown Source, Momanyi-Hiltsley received 9,852 votes (71.8 percent). Kistler received 3,840 votes (28 percent). Write-in votes accounted for a small remainder. District 38A covers the city of Osseo and portions of Brooklyn Park in Hennepin County.Hometownsource
Momanyi-Hiltsley first won the seat in November 2024, becoming the first Kenyan-American elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and the first Kenyan-born immigrant to hold state legislative office anywhere in the United States. She defeated Republican Brad Olson in that race with roughly 65 percent of the vote. Her new term is scheduled to begin in January 2027, subject to official certification of the results.Peopledaily
In statements following the election, she thanked voters, volunteers, and supporters. One message read: “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. Serving you is an honor, and I’m ready to keep working for our community.” She has also spoken about challenges during the campaign, including personal attacks and character criticism.Nairobileo
Her re-election campaign emphasized priorities including healthcare access, reproductive rights, firearm legislation, and equitable housing. She has served on committees including Housing Finance and Policy, Human Services Finance and Policy, and Legacy Finance.Hometownsource
Momanyi-Hiltsley was born in Nyamira County, Kenya (around 1985), and moved to Minnesota with her family at about age nine. She earned bachelor’s degrees in international business, international relations, and reconciliation studies, plus an MBA in global business management from Bethel University. She has worked in data privacy and community advocacy and previously ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in 2022. She is married to Bart and has children; the family has long resided in the Brooklyn Park area.
The results remain unofficial pending the state’s canvassing and certification process. Multiple Kenyan and diaspora outlets have highlighted the outcome as a continued milestone for the Kenyan-American community in U.S. politics.