Meet the 14 Nigerian-Americans Who Won in the 2026 US Midterms

No fewer than 14 Americans of Nigerian descent clinched victory in the United States midterm elections held on November 3, 2026, earning seats in state legislatures and local offices across at least ten states and the District of Columbia.

The wins span Georgia, Texas, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Connecticut, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC — with successful candidates ranging from state representatives and a state senator to a county executive and a DC Council member.

Reacting on Wednesday, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, poured encomiums on the victors, calling their emergence a proud moment for Nigerians everywhere.

In a message shared by the commission, she said: “Hearty congratulations to Nigerian-Americans who won elections in the US. Wishing all of them great success.”

She added that their victories testify to “the talent, resilience and leadership of Nigerians making a difference across the globe,” urging them to keep flying the flag high as they assume their new responsibilities.

Why it matters: US midterms, held midway through a president’s four-year term, shape Congress as well as state and local governments — the layers of power that decide legislation, public spending and day-to-day governance. The Nigerian-American showing reflects a diaspora increasingly stepping into elective office, not just professional life.

The full list of winners:

1. Segun Adeyina — Georgia: State House, District 110
2. Solomon Adesanya — Georgia: State House, District 43
3. Will Jawando — Maryland: Montgomery County Executive
4. Esther Agbaje — Minnesota: State House, District 59B
5. Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter — Ohio: State House, District 7
6. Junior Ezeonu — Texas: State House, District 101
7. Olaleye Onikuyide — Connecticut: State House, District 19
8. Gabe Okoye — Georgia: State House, District 102
9. Phil Olaleye — Georgia: State House, District 59
10. Justin Onwenu — Michigan: State Senate, District 1
11. Janelle Anyanonu — New Mexico: State House, District 19
12. Carol Kazeem — Pennsylvania: State House, District 159
13. Odus Evbagharu — Texas: State House, District 135
14. Dr Oye Owolewa — Washington, DC: Council at-large