Abdi Daysane speaks to BBC about his success in the Minnesota election

Abdi Daysane speaks to BBC about his success in the Minnesota election

Abdi Daysane has won the primary election of the DFL party, contesting for the District 14A seat in the House of Representatives - representing parts of the city of St. Cloud - in the state of Minnesota, USA.

Daysane, who has advanced to the general election, received 2,262 votes, equivalent to 62.52%, defeating Paul R. F. Schumacher, who received 1,356 votes, or 37.48%.

Daysane, a businessman and community leader living in St. Cloud, entered the primary election with the support and endorsement of the DFL party. His victory has secured him the party's nomination, paving the way for him to contest in the general election.

The result of the primary election is a significant step for Daysane, and he will now focus on the general election and the extensive campaign ahead.

"This is the first seat that a Somali person or even a Black person has won. It is not usually a seat that Democrats win, as Republicans are predominant," he said.

He expressed his happiness that the efforts of many months have borne fruit.

"I feel it is a shared victory that many people were involved in. I became the one with the most votes, and it brings me special joy," he said.

Abdi stated that they have been campaigning for several months, making significant efforts and knocking on many doors to seek votes.

Daysane, who previously contested this seat but lost in the 2024 election, received 62.52% of the votes, with all 18 polling places reporting their results. Schumacher received 37.48% of the votes, according to the unofficial primary results, which the election verification board will review on Friday, August 14.

"I hope that what happened in Minnesota has made people tired of the Republican party, and I believe that the Democratic party will change a lot in the politics of this city," said Abdi.

This district has been represented since 2022 by Representative Bernie Perryman, a Republican from St. Cloud. Perryman is now contesting for the Senate seat held by Senator Aric Putnam, a DFL member from St. Cloud.