South Sudanese-American community leader Nyamal Dei has expressed gratitude to her supporters after losing the Democratic bid for the North Dakota State Senate seat in District 41. In a statement, Dei thanked everyone who supported her campaign through voting, volunteering, donations, and encouragement. She said her commitment to public service remains unchanged despite the outcome not going as hoped.
Dei secured the Democratic Party nomination for the District 41 seat in June, becoming the party's candidate for the general election. At the time, she thanked the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party for its support and called on residents to back her campaign. Dei described herself as a mother, former refugee, school board member, and community advocate rather than a career politician.
Dei's personal experiences shaped her decision to seek public office. Born in Ulang County in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, Dei fled the civil war and lived as a refugee in Ethiopia before relocating to the Ifo refugee camp in northwestern Kenya. She later resettled in the United States, where she pursued higher education and became active in community leadership.
Dei holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from North Dakota State University and a Master of Public Health degree from Benedictine University. She served for four years on the Fargo Board of Education, where she was involved in budget discussions and decisions affecting students, families, and educators. Dei described herself as the first Black woman elected to the Fargo School Board and the first Black woman elected to public office in Fargo.
Dei is also the founder of Kondial Kel International: South Sudan READ, a Fargo-based nonprofit organisation focused on education and community development through literacy programmes. The organisation supports families through education, financial literacy, and community initiatives. During her campaign, Dei outlined three main priorities: providing relief for working families, strengthening public schools and childcare, and promoting a healthy workforce and united communities.
Dei's proposed policies included affordable housing, fair and predictable taxes, accessible healthcare, and quality childcare, as well as support for teachers and student mental health. She also pledged to support investment aimed at creating jobs, strengthening local businesses, and improving infrastructure, while ensuring public spending delivers value to taxpayers. Dei thanked her family, friends, campaign team, and volunteers for their time, sacrifices, and support throughout the campaign.
Although she did not secure the seat, Dei said the election outcome would not end her involvement in community service. She added that it had been an honour to seek the trust of District 41 residents and pledged to continue serving the community. Dei stated that although they fell short at the ballot box, their commitment to this community remains strong.
Key points
- Nyamal Dei, a South Sudanese-American community leader, lost the Democratic bid for the North Dakota State Senate seat in District 41.
