A Kenyan-born philanthropist and registered nurse in the United States has entered the race to represent Minnesota in the House of Representatives. Dr Lyna Nyamwaya, on Thursday, October 2, announced her candidacy and launched her campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 43A.

The adjunct professor at St. Catherine University in St. Paul became the first to launch her campaign to succeed Representative Cedrick Frazier, who announced in August that he would not seek a fourth term, but would instead run to succeed Mary Moriarty as Hennepin County Attorney. Rep. Frazier was easily re-elected in November in the heavily Democratic district, receiving over 66 percent of the vote.

In a statement on Thursday, Nyamwaya’s campaign team said the candidate believes her years of experience in nursing and entrepreneurship have equipped her with the wisdom and compassion needed to replace Rep. Frazier and serve the residents of the district, which includes all of New Hope and most of Crystal.

The 49-year-old travelled to the U.S. from Kenya for educational opportunities and initially settled in Rockford, Illinois, before relocating to New Hope in 2002, where she and her husband are homeowners and raising their two school-age children.

“Recognized nationally and internationally for her leadership and business achievements, Nyamwaya has organized conferences, mentored professionals, and brought diverse communities together to foster leadership and economic opportunities. She remains deeply rooted in her New Hope community, consistently showing up for her neighbors, local schools, and community events,” read part of the statement.

“Her legislative priorities include expanding access to affordable healthcare, ensuring students receive a quality education and are workforce-ready for an AI-driven economy, promoting safe communities and equitable housing, supporting labor unions and livable wages, strengthening local businesses, and protecting the environment.”

Nyamwaya is an award-winning registered nurse, educator, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She earned degrees from North Hennepin Community College and Metropolitan State University and holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Spalding University.

The Kenyan-born adjunct professor at St. Catherine University has worked at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale – one of four Level 1 trauma centres in the state –  for fifteen years and is the founder of Bold Impact Group, LLC.

Lyna has also been a featured speaker at local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, commencements, healthcare forums, and academic conferences.

She founded The African Nurses Network in 2016 to provide advocacy and networking opportunities for those in the profession. Lately, her time has been devoted to teaching nursing students at St. Catherine University and running her corporate consulting and leadership training company, The Bold Impact Group.

Nyamwaya’s campaign team stated that she believes leaders should listen to and work for the people, enabling communities to thrive.

“The community has given me so much. It is my opportunity to give back,” Nyamwaya said. “I hope to earn your support and your vote to become your next State Representative.”

Minnesota, located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, was officially admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858, becoming the 32nd state. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it shares borders with Canada to the north, Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and North Dakota and South Dakota to the west.

District 43A—which Nyamwaya is seeking to represent in the Minnesota House of Representatives—includes two cities and has a combined population of nearly 50,000 residents.

She has announced that her candidacy has received the backing of prominent local leaders, including Senator Ann Rest and outgoing Representative Cedrick Frazier.

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