First-generation Kenyan immigrant and data privacy manager, Ms. Huldah Hiltsley, on Friday officially filed paperwork to run in the August 13 Democratic primary in the 38A Minnesota House District.
The heavily Democratic District 38A is an open seat after Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL) announced his retirement in January. The district encompasses the southern half of Brooklyn Park and the entire city of Osseo.
In the 2022 general election, the GOP did not field a candidate to challenge Rep. Nelson. This time around, Mr. Brad Olson of Brooklyn Park has filed to run in the Republican primary.
Ms. Hiltsley’s expected challenger for the Democratic nomination is Liberian American Mr. Wynfred Russell, a former Brooklyn Park City Council member. Mr. Russell told Mshale earlier this week that he expects to formally file by the June 4 deadline.
The two African immigrants battled for the Democratic endorsement in April but none could garner the required 60% threshold to win it. Barring any unexcepted filing by another Democrat by Tuesday, either Ms. Hiltsley or Mr. Russell is expected to be the next state representative for 38A after one of them wins the August 13 primary. The August Democratic primary is the defacto general election if the district votes Democratic in November as expected.
“I am very excited that I have filed as I want to ensure we have a community that is safe. That will ensure our businesses thrive. Our healthcare system is thriving.
“As a first-generation immigrant to be able to file for office and run to represent my constituents is an honor and privilege that I don’t take lightly,” Ms. Hiltsley told Mshale as she left the Veterans Service building in St. Paul after filing.
“Most of all, my message to Brooklyn Park and Osseo is that they look for a candidate like me that is going to care for all of us a collective, as we are stronger together,” she said.
Key Dates:
June 28: Vote by mail or in person starts and runs through August 12 for the primary.
July 23: The last day to register in advance to be able to vote on Primary Election Day on August 13 and save time at the polls (you can still register on Primary Election Day at the polling site, just plan on extra time).
Author
About Tom Gitaa Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief
Born and raised in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, Tom is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Mshale which has been reporting on the news and culture of African immigrants in the United States since 1995. He has a BA in Business from Metro State University and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was the original host of Talking Drum, the signature current affairs show on the African Broadcasting Network (ABN-America), which was available nationwide in the United States via the Dish Network satellite service. On the show, he interviewed Nobel laureates such as 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the peace prize and heads of states. Tom has served and chaired various boards including Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. He has previously served as the first Black President of the Board of Directors at Books for Africa. He also serves on the boards of New Vision Foundation and the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium. He has previously served two terms on the board of the United Nations Association. An avid runner, he retired from running full marathons after turning 50 and now only focuses on training for half marathons.
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