ABUJA/WASHINGTON — Fourteen candidates of Nigerian descent have been elected to public office across 10 U.S. states and the District of Columbia following the 2026 midterm elections, underscoring the growing political influence of the Nigerian diaspora in the United States.
The successful candidates secured positions in state legislatures, a state senate, municipal government and county leadership across Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, Connecticut, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) welcomed the election results, describing them as a reflection of the increasing participation of Nigerians in public service and democratic governance abroad.
NiDCOM Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulated the newly elected officials, saying their victories demonstrated the dedication and leadership of Nigerians living overseas.
“Their emergence in elective office across diverse U.S. jurisdictions demonstrates the extraordinary capacity and dedication of our diaspora. These victories are a testament to hard work, community organising and the impactful role Nigerians continue to play in public leadership globally,” she said.
Among the notable winners was Will Jawando, who was elected Montgomery County Executive in Maryland, becoming the leader of the state’s most populous county. In Minnesota, Esther Agbaje won re-election to the State House, while Junior Ezeonu, 27, secured victory in Texas House District 101, marking a significant milestone for young Nigerian-American leaders in state politics.
In Washington, D.C., Dr. Oye Owolewa won an at-large seat on the Council of the District of Columbia, extending his public service in the U.S. capital.
Other successful candidates included Odus Evbagharu in Texas; Segun Adeyina, Solomon Adesanya, Phil Olaleye and Gabe Okoye in Georgia; Justin Onwenu in Michigan; Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter in Ohio; Olaleye Onikuyide in Connecticut; Janelle Anyanonu in New Mexico; and Carol Kazeem in Pennsylvania.
The results continue a broader trend of Nigerian-Americans increasing their representation in U.S. politics, with many transitioning from careers in law, medicine, business, academia and public service into elected office.
Georgia and Texas recorded the highest number of successful Nigerian-American candidates, reflecting the growing influence of African immigrant communities in local and state politics. Analysts say the expanding representation is likely to strengthen the diaspora’s voice on issues including healthcare, education, immigration and economic engagement between the United States and Africa.
TNAM
