The 2026 United States midterm elections have delivered historic victories for politicians of African descent, with candidates of Nigerian, Ethiopian, Egyptian, Ghanaian and Somali heritage securing political offices across the country.
Held on November 3, the elections saw at least 14 Nigerian-Americans emerge victorious, alongside several other candidates with African roots. Here are some of the notable winners and their backgrounds.
1. Melat Kiros — Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29-year-old Melat Kiros was elected to the US House of Representatives for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. She became the first Black woman elected to Congress from Colorado and the first Gen Z woman elected to the US Congress. Kiros previously defeated longtime Congresswoman Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, marking a significant breakthrough for younger political leaders.
2. Abdul El-Sayed — Egypt 🇪🇬
The son of Egyptian immigrants, Abdul El-Sayed made history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, winning Michigan’s Senate race. A physician and public health expert, El-Sayed previously served as Detroit’s health director. His academic background includes degrees from the University of Michigan, Columbia University and the University of Oxford. His victory represents a milestone for Muslim and Arab-American political representation.
3. Will Jawando — Nigeria 🇳🇬
Nigerian-American politician Will Jawando won the Montgomery County executive election in Maryland. Born to a Nigerian father and an American mother, Jawando is a lawyer and former Montgomery County Council member. He previously worked in public policy and served in the administration of former President Barack Obama. His political priorities include education, affordable housing and economic opportunities.
4. Junior Ezeonu — Nigeria 🇳🇬
At just 27, Junior Ezeonu secured a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 101. Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Ezeonu moved to the United States at age two. He previously served on the Grand Prairie City Council, where he became the city’s youngest mayor pro tempore. His victory marks another milestone for young Nigerian-American politicians.
5. Oye Owolewa — Nigeria 🇳🇬
Dr Oye Owolewa, a pharmacist and son of Nigerian immigrants, won an at-large seat on the Washington, DC Council. Owolewa previously served as Washington, DC’s shadow representative, advocating for greater political representation for the district. He secured approximately 69% of the vote, defeating independent candidate Elissa Silverman.
6. Adrian Boafo — Ghana 🇬🇭
Ghanaian-American politician Adrian Boafo won Maryland’s 5th Congressional District election. Before his congressional victory, Boafo served on the Bowie City Council and in the Maryland House of Delegates.
7. Ilhan Omar — Somalia 🇸🇴
Somali-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar secured re-election to the US House of Representatives in Minnesota. First elected in 2018, Omar became one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress. A former Minnesota state legislator, she has built her political career around immigration, healthcare, education and social justice.
Other successful Nigerian-American candidates include Carol Kazeem, Esther Agbaje, Segun Adeyina, Gabe Okoye and Phil Olaleye, who won positions in various state legislatures. The victories have attracted celebrations across the African diaspora, with Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission congratulating the successful candidates.
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