Five Nigerian-Americans have secured victories in the November 3 US midterm elections, strengthening their presence in American politics. The candidates won legislative and local government positions in Maryland, Texas, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. Their victories reflect the growing participation of Nigerian-Americans in the country’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, another Nigerian-born politician, Georgia State Representative Segun Adeyina, was leading in his re-election bid as officials continued counting votes.
The winners include Will Jawando, Junior Ezeonu, Oye Owolewa, Segun Adeyina, and Carol Kazeem. While some secured new political positions, others successfully defended their seats. 
Here is a look at their backgrounds and election victories.
Will Jawando Wins Montgomery County Executive Race
Democrat Will Jawando defeated Republican Esther Wells to become Montgomery County executive in Maryland.
According to figures published by NBC Washington, Jawando secured 237,383 votes, representing 78.15 per cent of the total. Wells received 66,383 votes, or 21.85 per cent, with 72 per cent of the expected votes counted.
Jawando, whose father is Nigerian and mother is American, previously served on the Montgomery County Council. His victory marks another milestone in the political journey of the Nigerian-American community.
Junior Ezeonu, 27, Wins Texas House Seat
At 27, Democrat Junior Ezeonu secured a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 101.
He defeated incumbent Chris Turner during the Democratic primary earlier in the year. No Republican entered the general election, leaving Ezeonu as the only candidate on the November ballot.
Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Ezeonu moved to Texas when he was two years old. His political experience includes serving on the Grand Prairie City Council from 2021. He later became the city’s youngest mayor pro tempore. His election victory adds another Nigerian-born voice to the Texas legislature.
Oye Owolewa, Carol Kazeem Retain Political Influence
In Washington, DC, Democrat Oye Owolewa won an at-large seat on the District of Columbia Council.
According to local publication The 51st, he secured 69 per cent of the votes. Independent candidate Elissa Silverman received 21 per cent.
Owolewa is a pharmacist whose parents immigrated to the United States from Kwara and Osun states. Before the election, he served as the district’s elected shadow representative. The position involves advocating for Washington, DC, statehood but carries no voting rights in Congress.
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Meanwhile, Pennsylvania State Representative Carol Kazeem successfully defended her District 159 seat. The Democrat defeated Republican Michael Bannon, according to election data published by MultiState Elections.
Kazeem previously made history alongside seven other Nigerian-Americans who won legislative seats during the 2022 US midterm elections. Her latest victory extends her presence in Pennsylvania politics.
Segun Adeyina Wins Georgia Race
While four Nigerian-Americans celebrated victories, the outcome of Segun Adeyina’s re-election bid in Georgia took longer time before it was announced. He won his third-term representing Georgia.
Adeyina, a Nigerian-born Democrat, contested District 110 in the Georgia House of Representatives against Republican Charles Lollar. Early results showed him leading with 1,353 votes against Lollar’s 689. However, officials had counted only eight per cent of the estimated votes at the time. Adeyina first entered the Georgia legislature in 2022.
Beyond his political responsibilities, he serves as executive director of the Nigerian American Public Advisory Committee. The organisation focuses on voter education and registration among immigrant communities. His re-election bid remained uncalled as vote counting continued.
All five Nigerians who won at the US midterm elections are Democrats.
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