Kenyan-American politician Samuel “Sam” Mwangi has won a seat on the Champlin City Council in Minnesota, United States, after defeating three rivals in a closely contested local election held alongside the 2026 US midterm elections. Mwangi announced his victory in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, sharing election results showing that he had secured 1,178 votes, representing 41.30 per cent of the total votes cast.

 

“Thanks, it’s official – New Champlin City Council Ward 4 Member – it rained. Thanks for your support, my community. God is Good,” he wrote.

 

The results showed that Mwangi finished ahead of Lorraine Coan, who received 990 votes (34.71 per cent), while Ryan Reider garnered 393 votes (13.78 per cent). Charles A. Boakai came fourth with 273 votes (9.57 per cent).

 

The results screenshot indicated that all two precincts in the municipality had reported, placing Mwangi 188 votes ahead of his closest challenger.

His victory marks a significant milestone for the Kenyan diaspora community in the United States, with the community having followed the participation of several Kenyan-American candidates in the Minnesota elections.

 

During a past interview with K24 TV, Mwangi noted that growing up in Kenya had taught him the importance of family, respect, and community responsibility, noting that he had been raised to believe that he could achieve anything he would set his mind to if he worked hard.

 

“Growing up in Kenya taught me the importance of family, respect, and community responsibility. I was raised to believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to if I worked hard. I have also learned the importance of patience and adapting to a new culture,” he said.

 

Mwangi wins after narrowly missing seat in 2024

Mwangi’s victory comes after an earlier unsuccessful attempt to secure the same Ward 4 seat in 2024, when he lost to Tim LaCroix by just 47 votes.

 

He received 1,294 votes against LaCroix’s 1,341, making the latest victory a return to a contest he had previously come close to winning.

 

Before the election, Mwangi had served on Champlin’s Environmental Resources Commission since 2021 and previously led the Global Fatherhood Foundation.

 

His campaign focused on public safety, infrastructure development, responsible use of taxpayers’ money, youth opportunities, support for local businesses and greater community participation in decision-making.

According to the City of Champlin, the Ward 4 special election was organised to fill a vacancy on the council. The winner will serve the remaining two years of the term, beginning in January 2027 and ending on December 31, 2028.