Meet 14 Nigerian-Americans who won US midterm elections

Fourteen politicians of Nigerian origin have been listed among the winners of the November 3, 2026, United States midterm elections, bringing pride to Nigerians at home and abroad.

The politicians secured seats across various States, including Georgia, Texas, Maryland, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Mexico, as well as Washington, DC.

The list was shared in a congratulatory message by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

Their victories span state legislatures, county government and the Council of the District of Columbia.

However, while some victories have been confirmed by media reports, others on the list require further verification.

Full list of 14 Nigerian-born winners

1. Segun Adeyina — Georgia

Position: State House of Representatives, District 110

Adeyina is a Nigerian-born politician who represents parts of Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was first elected in 2022 and was seeking another term in the November election. He has a background in engineering and management information systems and is involved in Nigerian-American community affairs.

2. Solomon Adesanya — Georgia

Position: State House of Representatives, District 43

Adesanya is listed among the Nigerian-American winners in Georgia. He contested for the state legislature and was reportedly unopposed in the election.

3. Will Jawando — Maryland

Position: Montgomery County Executive

Jawando emerged victorious in the race for Montgomery County executive, defeating Republican Esther Wells. He previously served on the Montgomery County Council.

He is the son of a Nigerian father, Olayinka Jawando, and an American mother. His victory puts him in charge of the county's executive administration.

4. Esther Agbaje — Minnesota

Position: State House of Representatives, District 59B

Agbaje is a Nigerian-American politician serving in Minnesota. She is listed among the reported winners of the 2026 midterm elections, although her result requires further independent confirmation.

5. Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter — Ohio

Position: State House of Representatives, District 7

Awakessien-Jeter is a Nigerian-born American politician and lawyer. She serves as mayor and council president of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and was listed as a winner in the Ohio House election.

She moved to the United States from Nigeria at the age of 18.

6. Junior Ezeonu — Texas

Position: State House of Representatives, District 101

At 27, Ezeonu is among the youngest Nigerian-born politicians to secure an elective position in the 2026 elections.

Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, he moved to the United States at the age of two. He previously served on the Grand Prairie City Council and became the city's youngest mayor pro tempore.

He won the Texas House seat after defeating Chris Turner in the Democratic primary. No Republican candidate contested the seat in the general election.

7. Olaleke Onikuyide — Connecticut

Position: State House of Representatives, District 19

Onikuyide, 28, is a Nigerian-born politician who contested under the Democratic Party. He was listed as a winner in the Connecticut House election.

8. Gabe Okoye — Georgia

Position: State House of Representatives, District 102

Okoye is among the Nigerian-American politicians listed as winners in Georgia. He reportedly contested unopposed for the state legislative seat.

9. Phil Olaleye — Georgia

Position: State House of Representatives, District 59

Olaleye secured another term in the Georgia House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2022 and is known for his advocacy on healthcare, housing and opportunities for families.

10. Justin Onwenu — Michigan

Position: State Senate, District 1

Onwenu is a Nigerian-American politician who contested for a seat in the Michigan Senate. His name appeared on the list of Nigerian-origin candidates reported to have won in the midterm elections.

11. Janelle Anyanwu — New Mexico

Position: State House of Representatives, District 19

Anyanwu is listed among the Nigerian-American politicians who secured elective positions in the November 3 elections. Her victory in New Mexico is included in the 14-person compilation.

12. Carol Kazeem — Pennsylvania

Position: State House of Representatives, District 159

Kazeem retained her seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after defeating Republican challenger Michael Bannon.

She was first elected in 2022 and was among eight Nigerian-Americans who won legislative seats in the 2022 US midterm elections.

13. Odus Evbagharu — Texas

Position: State House of Representatives, District 135

Evbagharu, 34, won election to the Texas House of Representatives, where he will represent District 135.

He secured 68 per cent of the votes against Republican Amanda Labrie and is expected to assume office in January 2027.

14. Dr Oye Owolewa — Washington, DC

Position: Council of the District of Columbia, At-Large

Owolewa won an at-large seat on the Council of the District of Columbia, securing approximately 69 per cent of the votes against independent candidate Elissa Silverman.

A pharmacist and son of Nigerian immigrants from Kwara and Osun states, he previously served as Washington, DC's elected shadow representative.

The shadow representative position advocates for the District's statehood but does not carry voting rights in the US Congress.