The newly redesigned Minnesota flag (Courtesy of the State Emblems Redesign Commission)

On Tuesday, Minnesota state Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R-Fredenberg Township) reposted an unfounded conspiracy theory on social media claiming that a proposed redesign for the Minnesota state flag is a tribute to the country of Somalia.

“Interesting to say the least. Disappointing is an understatement,” Zeleznikar said in her X (formerly Twitter) post. “Unacceptable. Bring this to the voters and let their voice be heard.”

The theory supposedly insists that the similarity of color and the shape of the flag’s design to the Puntland region of Somalia as evidence the flag is an homage to the African country.

Minnesota has the largest number of Somali Americans in the U.S.; Minnesota Compass estimates the number of Somali Americans in Minnesota as over 86,000. This has upset some anti-migrant conservatives, who have tried to halt immigration into the state multiple times.

In reality, the design was drawn up by Luverne, Minn. native Andrew Prekker, who submitted his work as a part of the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission. Prekker told Minnesota Public Radio that the colors in his design represent snow (white), nature (green) and water (blue), respectively.

Prekker’s design changed dramatically through the state’s design committee, further distanced from the Puntland flag.

In response to the tweet, Democratic Farmer-Labor-Party (DFL) Chairman Ken Martin released a critical statement regarding Zeleznikar’s actions as a legislator.

“It’s embarrassing that Representative Natalie Zeleznikar would default to partisan politics over something as simples as a new state flag,” Martin said. “Having accomplished nothing for her district, Natalie Zeleznikar has now decided to double down on conspiracy theories and culture wars instead of governing. The hard-working people who live in her district deserve a representative who will work to pass public policy that would improve their day-to-day lives. Most of her constituents couldn’t care less what the state flag looks like, and they will hold her accountable for being on the wrong side of issues that actually make a difference in their lives like paid family leave, free school meals and funding for our public schools.”

Zeleznikar was elected to the Minnesota state legislature in 2022 and took office on Jan. 3. In addition to questionable concerns about the state flag, Zeleznikar supports banning abortion and cutting taxes. She also opposed funding for a high-speed rail project.