Abdi Daisane, a Somali daycare owner linked to a fraud settlement, won a Minnesota House seat, igniting controversy and backlash on social media.
ST. CLOUD, MINN. — Abdi Daisane, the owner of a Somali daycare center that has come under scrutiny for its funding practices, has secured a seat in the Minnesota legislature. Daisane, a candidate for the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), defeated a Republican incumbent to represent House District 14A in St. Cloud, making history as the first Somali-born lawmaker from the city, according to MPR News.
As the CEO of Blooming Kids Child Care Center, Daisane’s business has received substantial financial support, totaling $7.29 million from the state-run Child Care Assistance Program since 2018. Additionally, the center has benefited from $598,251.62 in funding from the federally-funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) since 2020. However, the center’s sponsorship by a nonprofit organization, Partners in Nutrition, has raised concerns. This nonprofit recently settled a civil case for $18.5 million due to allegations of fraud, having “knowingly defrauded the State of Minnesota out of millions of dollars in federal child nutrition funds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,” as stated in the settlement press release.
Following his election victory, Daisane delivered part of his speech in Somali, reflecting his cultural heritage. However, his win has sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics expressing their discontent over his association with the daycare’s funding controversies. A visit to Blooming Kids Child Care Center revealed a quiet atmosphere, with few signs of activity. The center, located along a main road in St. Cloud’s downtown area, featured a paper sign directing visitors to a different entrance, while its windows were covered with a tinted film.
Reports indicate that the center has been cited for over a dozen violations, raising further questions about its operations. Local media outlet Alpha News highlighted that a nearby worker had never observed children entering or exiting the facility, adding to the concerns surrounding Daisane’s business practices.
In addition to the scrutiny surrounding his daycare center, questions have emerged regarding the immigration status of Daisane’s wife, Ayaan Aydid. A video surfaced in which Aydid discussed her journey into the United States at the southern border, prompting online speculation about her legal status.
Daisane did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the allegations and controversies surrounding his election and business.
The news of Daisane’s victory has ignited a wave of criticism on social media platforms. Matt Brodsky, President of Red Ax Strategies, expressed his dismay on X, stating, “We are a lost state. We should cede it to Canada.” Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty echoed similar sentiments, declaring, “MINNESOTA IS SO FREAKING COOKED.” Another conservative personality, Gunther Eagleman, remarked, “Minnesota is done.”
Bridgette Gabriel, founder of ACT for America, flagged Daisane’s election and the allegations regarding his wife’s immigration status to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Secretary, Markwayne Mullin, on X, urging action on the matter.
The controversy surrounding Abdi Daisane’s election reflects broader tensions within Minnesota’s political landscape, particularly regarding immigration and funding practices in the state’s childcare sector. As discussions continue, the implications of his victory and the scrutiny of his business practices are likely to remain in the spotlight.
According to MPR News, Daisane’s election marks a significant moment in Minnesota’s legislative history, but it also raises critical questions about accountability and transparency in public funding.