Abdi Daisane Aims to Shift Minnesota House Seat to DFL in Upcoming Elections

Amidst an evolving landscape in St. Cloud, local entrepreneur Abdi Daisane is gearing up to contest for the Minnesota House, seeking to tip the scales from Republican to Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) this autumn. Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable influx of new immigrants—many of whom hail from East Africa—shifting the socio-political fabric of the area.

District 14A has been firmly in Republican hands for over a decade, and flipping it won’t come easy. Daisane has pulled together more than $78,000 for his campaign in 2023, significantly outpacing incumbent Mary Perryman, who has accumulated $20,500 thus far. However, it’s worth noting she began the year with a formidable $86,500 war chest. Daisane remarked on the district’s entrenched partisan identity, acknowledging the potential backlash he might face. “There’s trepidation when a Black, Muslim immigrant aims to serve the community,” he stated. “In this red territory, many may hesitate to vote DFL, no matter the qualifications or ideas presented.”

On the forefront of Daisane’s platform are vital issues such as affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, and education. “Significant changes are necessary in these areas to truly uplift our community,” he declared. In contrast, Perryman noted that voters have expressed concerns primarily around rising living costs, tax hikes, and burdensome regulations affecting small businesses and schools. “I intend to continue representing every resident in District 14A by engaging with each community, truly understanding their top concerns,” she stated.

Daisane, at 36 years old, stems from a large family of six children born to Somali immigrants. His early years were spent in a refugee camp in Kenya before he arrived in the United States under the United Nations’ refugee program in 2009. He initially moved to Omaha, Nebraska, before relocating to Minnesota in 2013 for education at St. Cloud State University. There, he earned a bachelor’s in international relations and community development, followed by a master’s in public administration.

His spouse, Ayaan Ahmed Aidid, is a poet celebrated in their Somali community for her poignant themes surrounding love, inspiration, and peace. Together, they raise a blended family, which includes a son from his previous marriage. Daisane first contested for a City Council seat in 2016, gathering 8,026 votes but ultimately falling short. However, shortly after, St. Cloud’s Mayor Dave Kleis appointed him to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, which sparked his focus on affordable housing during this campaign.

“Stable housing is the bedrock of success,” he asserted. Since that election, Daisane has not only launched a business but also pursued advanced academic qualifications, expanded his family, and contributed to the city on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Downtown Revitalization Task Force. Recently, he completed a year as a policy fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

University of Minnesota political science expert Larry Jacobs viewed Daisane as part of a “breakthrough generation” of Somali politicians. This journey includes notable figures like Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and St. Louis Park’s Mayor Nadia Mohamed. “Minnesota’s Somali population is stepping into roles at state, county, and local levels, amplifying their voice and influence,” Jacobs noted.

Community activist Fatuma Mohamed commended Daisane for his dedication during the pandemic, where he synchronized resources for struggling local businesses. She regards him as an inspiring figure for younger Somalis. Besides his political aspirations, Daisane operates Blooming Kids Child Care Center and Daisane Consulting Inc. in St. Cloud. He revealed that running a childcare facility post-pandemic offers unparalleled challenges. The center faced several low-level correction orders from state inspectors but managed to resolve all issues efficiently.

“Providing childcare demands nurturing our most valuable — our children. I approach this duty with utmost seriousness every day. The childcare sector, however, is fraught with difficulties,” Daisane remarked. “Staffing poses our greatest obstacle. Providers often grapple with shortages due to the job’s rigorous demands—coupled with low pay and scant benefits—prompting high turnover as employees chase better opportunities.”

St. Cloud Times columnist Patrick Henry met Daisane years ago in a local café, recalling him as someone with an expansive vision for a flourishing community. “Like Paul Wellstone, Daisane genuinely contemplates the aspirations and challenges faced by real people,” Henry reflected. “His policies stem from the narratives he’s absorbed and his own journey toward political freedom and the chance to pursue happiness here in Minnesota.”

Since declaring his candidacy, Daisane has campaigned alongside notable leaders like Senator Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy. His campaign has garnered backing from groups such as the AFL-CIO, Rural Caucus DFL, MAPE, and the Climate Cabinet. As Daisane expressed, “The major takeaway from my first race is that resilience and genuine community service are key. My 2016 bid propelled me to strive for more on behalf of my community, and now I feel even better positioned to make a substantial impact.”