Abdi Daisane, a Somali-born daycare center owner linked to a significant fraud settlement involving his business’s funding sponsor, defeated a Republican incumbent to win a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives on Tuesday night. Daisane, the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) candidate for District 14A in St. Cloud, becomes the first Somali-born lawmaker in the statehouse from St. Cloud, according to MPR News.
The victory has drawn immediate attention due to Daisane’s role as CEO of Blooming Kids Child Care Center, which has received millions in state and federal funding. The center’s sponsor for federal child nutrition funds, Partners in Nutrition, recently paid an $18.5 million civil settlement for fraud. Daisane delivered part of his victory speech in Somali, while conservative commentators and activists have raised questions about the center’s operations and the immigration status of Daisane’s wife.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and activists reacted sharply to the result, citing concerns about fraud and immigration. Red Ax Strategies President Matt Brodsky posted on X, "We are a lost state," adding, "We should cede it to Canada." Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty wrote, "MINNESOTA IS SO FREAKING COOKED," while Gunther Eagleman stated, "Minnesota is done." ACT for America founder Bridgette Gabriel flagged the election and questions regarding the immigration status of Daisane’s wife, Ayaan Aydid, to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Markwayne Mullin, calling it a "great opportunity to do something about this." Critics have pointed to reports by Alpha News that a nearby worker stated they never saw children entering or exiting the childcare facility, and that the center has been cited for over a dozen violations.
What the Left Is Saying
Supporters and local DFL leaders have not issued extensive public statements in the immediate aftermath of the win, but the victory itself signals continued political strength for the DFL in St. Cloud, a city that has seen significant Somali immigration. Daisane’s decision to speak in Somali during his victory speech highlights the growing political influence of the Somali community in Minnesota, which constitutes a large portion of the state’s immigrant population. The DFL platform generally emphasizes support for immigrant communities and social services, including childcare assistance.
What the Numbers Show
Blooming Kids Child Care Center has received $7.29 million from the state-run Child Care Assistance Program since 2018. Additionally, the center received $598,251.62 from the federally-funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) since 2020. The center’s sponsor for CACFP funds, Partners in Nutrition, agreed to an $18.5 million civil settlement. According to a press release regarding the settlement, Partners in Nutrition "knowingly defrauded the State of Minnesota out of millions of dollars in federal child nutrition funds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in violation of the Minnesota False Claims Act." Fox News Digital visited the center on Thursday and reported a quiet scene, with tinted windows covering the front entrance and a mostly empty parking lot.
The Bottom Line
Daisane’s election marks a significant political milestone for the Somali community in St. Cloud but introduces immediate scrutiny regarding the financial integrity of his business and the broader issue of fraud in state-funded childcare programs. The result has intensified national debates over immigration and government oversight, with conservative groups calling for federal action. Daisane did not respond to requests for comment, and questions regarding the operational reality of his childcare center and the immigration status of his family members remain topics of active discussion and potential investigation. The outcome may influence upcoming legislative priorities in Minnesota regarding fraud prevention and immigration policy.