South Sudanese-born community leader Nyamal Dei announces her candidacy for a Senate seat in District 41 of North Dakota, USA.
Currently serving on the Fargo Board of Education, Dei confirmed she will run as a Democrat and will not seek re-election to her school board position when her term concludes this year. Her decision signals a strategic shift from education governance to broader legislative leadership.
Born in Ulang, South Sudan, Dei’s journey reflects both displacement and determination. As a child, she fled civil war, spending years in refugee camps across Ethiopia and Kenya before eventually resettling in the United States.
Her lived experience as a refugee continues to shape her leadership philosophy, which is grounded in resilience, cultural identity, and community rebuilding. Today, she is not only a public official but also a mother of two and a public health professional.
Building Community through Kondial Kel International
Dei is the founder and executive director of Kondial Kel International, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting refugee and immigrant communities. Since its founding in 2016, the organisation has served over a thousand families in the Fargo–Moorhead region.
“Kondial Kel,” meaning “Together” in the Nuer language, reflects the organisation’s mission: to improve lives through education, empowerment, and community-driven programs. Its initiatives include financial literacy training, women’s leadership development, youth mental health support, and cultural integration programs that help families navigate life in a new country while preserving their heritage.
When Dei was first elected to the Fargo Board of Education in 2022, she made history as one of the first people of colour to hold elected office in Fargo in decades. Her tenure drew national attention, particularly during debates on education policy and equity in schools.
In her role, she has consistently advocated for inclusive policies that support students from multilingual, multicultural, and refugee backgrounds, bringing a perspective shaped by firsthand experience within these communities.
Campaign Priorities and Vision
Now setting her sights on the state legislature, Dei’s campaign centres on a platform that resonates with everyday concerns:
- Strengthening public education systems
- Lowering the cost of living
- Supporting working families
- Building more inclusive and resilient communities
Describing her candidacy as driven by a “bold vision,” Dei has emphasised her deep appreciation for the support she has received from the Fargo community, a foundation she hopes to build on as she seeks to expand her impact at the state level.
Representation Beyond Borders
Dei’s candidacy represents more than a political campaign; it is a powerful narrative of migration, identity, and leadership. For many in the African diaspora, particularly South Sudanese communities, her journey underscores the growing influence of immigrant voices in shaping policy and governance far beyond their countries of origin.
As the race for District 41 unfolds, Nyamal Dei stands as a symbol of what inclusive leadership can look like in contemporary America, rooted in lived experience, community service, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
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