Woman Who Emigrated From Kenya Makes History in US Political Race

Mana Abdi is set to become the first Somali-American to win a seat in the Maine House of Representatives in the United States.

Abdi, who emigrated from Kenya to the City of Kansas aged just 12 years, is running unopposed after her republican opponent dropped out of the race to represent the Maine House District 95 seat.

Her journey to political grace has, however, been a rough one since her family moved to the US before she could have a grasp of the English. 

Abdi’s family had moved to Kenya in search of refuge from the Somalian civil war. In Kenya, she kickstarted her studies and moved to the US while transitioning to fifth grade.

Somali-American Mana Abdi vying for US political seat.

Maine Public

In an interview with News Center Maine, Abdi noted that conversation with her new neighbours was difficult and she could only effectively communicate with the four relatives she travelled with.

She, however, desired to resume schooling and was taught English by one of her neighbours.

“It was really dark and very mute as you can’t talk to anybody, and you’re stuck with the four people you came with.

“I took full advantage of that. Like, every single hour that I could possibly put in, I just read every single day and got tutored every day,” she recounted.

Her challenges followed her to school where she was among a handful of students of colour who persevered all through to the University of Maine.

“You quickly have to learn self-advocacy real fast. The system, one way or another, will force you to learn to advocate for yourself and potentially those around you — especially if you’re someone who has picked up the language rather quickly,” she added.

The US mid-terms are slated for November 2022 when Abdi is angling to win a seat in the Maine Legislature.

Her fellow Somali-American Deqa Dhalac is also vying for a seat in the Maine House under the Democratic banner.

Dhalac already made history after she was named South Portland’s mayor, becoming the first Somali-American in US to become mayor.

South Portland’s mayor Deqa Dhalac.

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