Minnesota Somali Politicians Face Scrutiny Over Childcare Fraud Ties
New Minnesota lawmakers linked to childcare fraud scandals draw political and ethical attention.
2 min read
A Somali-born Democrat, Abdi Daisane, has won a seat in the Minnesota Legislature, becoming the first Somali-born lawmaker to represent the St. Cloud area. His victory marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, with Democrats sweeping the 2026 midterms. Daisane, who previously lived in a Kenyan refugee camp, ran on a platform of change and persistence, delivering his victory speech in Somali.
Political Legacy and Fraud Scandals
Daisane’s win follows in the footsteps of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who became the first Somali-born lawmaker in the Minnesota legislature in 2017 before moving to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019. Omar, whose real name is “Ilhan Nur Said Elmi,” recently secured a fifth consecutive term in Congress, despite increasing suspicions of immigration fraud linked to her marriage to her brother. She has denied any wrongdoing, but her re-election, alongside Daisane’s upset win, highlights the growing political influence of Minnesota’s Somali community.
Childcare Center and Fraud Allegations
Daisane’s professional background has drawn renewed scrutiny, particularly after his victory. He is the CEO of Blooming Kids Child Care Center in St. Cloud, which has received over $7.29 million through Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) since 2018. The center also received $598,251.62 through the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) since 2020. The CACFP sponsor, Partners in Nutrition, agreed to a $18.5 million civil settlement over fraud allegations, though Blooming Kids was not named in the settlement.
A September 24 press release from the Minnesota Attorney General’s office stated that 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.” The settlement recoups $18 million in taxpayer funds, but the attorney general emphasized the loss of public trust in government programs.
License Violations and Public Concern
The daycare center also has a record of licensing violations, including hazardous objects accessible to children, poor facility hygiene, and inadequate staffing. A former employee reportedly never saw children at the facility. Conservatives argue that Daisane’s ability to flip a red seat blue signals a shift in the state’s political direction.
He spoke Somali for his victory speech https://t.co/9xxZyj3Wnd
“We are a lost state,” Red Ax Strategies President Matt Brodsky posted on X. “We should cede it to Canada.”
Source: Daily Wire
