14 Nigerian-Americans Win Seats in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections as GNA Calls for Leadership Measured by Results

The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) has congratulated 14 Americans of Nigerian heritage reported to have won seats in the United States midterm elections held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The winners, whose names were first published in a congratulatory statement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), secured positions across nine states and the District of Columbia. Their victories include a county executive position, a state senate seat, membership of the District of Columbia Council and several seats in state legislatures.

The results highlight the growing participation of Nigerian-Americans in the democratic and political institutions of the United States, with members of the community increasingly occupying positions of public responsibility.

Major Electoral Victories

One of the most prominent victories came from Maryland, where Will Jawando, an at-large member of the Montgomery County Council, was elected County Executive. The Associated Press projected his victory, while unofficial results showed him securing approximately 78 per cent of the vote. He is expected to succeed term-limited Marc Elrich.

In Washington, D.C., Dr. Oye Owolewa won an at-large seat on the District of Columbia Council, securing approximately 69 per cent of the vote in preliminary results. Owolewa previously served as the district’s shadow representative to the United States Congress.

Michigan also recorded a significant victory through Justin Onwenu, who won the State Senate’s First District with approximately 83 per cent of the vote, with all precincts reporting. Onwenu previously worked on small-business development and economic opportunity initiatives in Detroit.

In Texas, Junior Ezeonu secured House District 101 after defeating the incumbent in the primary election and subsequently running unopposed in the general election. Odus Evbagharu also won House District 135 with approximately 68 per cent of the vote.

Georgia Records Four Nigerian-American Winners

Georgia recorded the highest number of Nigerian-American legislative victories, with four individuals securing seats in its House of Representatives.

Segun Adeyina was re-elected in District 110 with approximately 76 per cent of the vote. Phil Olaleye secured a third term in District 59, while Gabe Okoye was returned unopposed in District 102. Solomon Adesanya also won District 43, where he appeared unopposed on the ballot.

Other reported winners include Carol Kazeem, who retained her seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Esther Agbaje, who was re-elected in Minnesota; and Janelle Anyanonu, who won New Mexico House District 19 unopposed.

Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter was also reported elected to Ohio’s House of Representatives, while Olaleye Onikuyide secured a seat in Connecticut.

The 14 Nigerian-Americans Reported Elected

The following individuals were listed among the reported winners as of November 4, 2026:

Will Jawando: Montgomery County Executive, Maryland.
Dr. Oye Owolewa: District of Columbia Council, At-Large.
Justin Onwenu: Michigan State Senate, District 1.
Junior Ezeonu: Texas House of Representatives, District 101.
Odus Evbagharu: Texas House of Representatives, District 135.
Janelle Anyanonu: New Mexico House of Representatives, District 19.
Solomon Adesanya: Georgia House of Representatives, District 43.
Segun Adeyina: Georgia House of Representatives, District 110.
Gabe Okoye: Georgia House of Representatives, District 102.
Phil Olaleye: Georgia House of Representatives, District 59.
Carol Kazeem: Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 159.
Esther Agbaje: Minnesota House of Representatives, District 59B.
Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter: Ohio House of Representatives, District 7.
Olaleye Onikuyide: Connecticut House of Representatives, District 19.

The reported results remain subject to certification by the relevant state and local election authorities.

Kansas Lieutenant Governor Race Awaits Outcome

Another Nigerian-American, Kansas State Representative KC Ohaebosim, was awaiting the outcome of the gubernatorial election.

Ohaebosim, whose father was born in Nigeria, is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher, contesting for the office of Lieutenant Governor.

As of Wednesday, November 4, the Kansas gubernatorial race remained too close to call. NiDCOM indicated that his victory would also be celebrated if confirmed. GNA News & TV will continue to monitor the development and report the final outcome.

GNA: Leadership Must Be Measured by Results

For the Great Nigerian Assembly, the significance of these electoral victories extends beyond the Nigerian heritage of the successful candidates. It also highlights the responsibilities that accompany public office.

Through its GNA CAA Governance Model, the Assembly promotes the principle that leadership should not be measured by electoral victories, political positions or public recognition alone, but by verified improvements in the lives of the people.

The principle applies across national boundaries. Whether in Nigeria, the United States or elsewhere, public officeholders are entrusted with public resources and the responsibility to deliver services that improve communities. Citizens must therefore be able to assess leadership through visible, measurable and verifiable results.

The victories also offer an important message to young Nigerians at home and abroad: background should not determine the limits of ambition, and public success carries greater significance when it creates opportunities and delivers value to others.

As part of its commitment to strengthening citizen participation and accountability in Nigeria, GNA is working towards training one million young Nigerians as Certified Citizen Reporters (CCRs) over the next two to three years.

The programme will equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to observe, document, verify and report infrastructure conditions and development activities in their communities, while engaging the relevant institutions responsible for public service delivery.

The Assembly believes that effective governance requires both responsible leadership and active citizen participation.

A Message from GNA’s Executive Director

Congratulating the winners on behalf of the organisation, GN (Dr.) Kayode Elusoji, Executive Director of the Great Nigerian Assembly, issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Global Board of Trustees, the Global Advisory Council, the leadership and the entire membership of the Great Nigerian Assembly, I warmly congratulate our brothers and sisters of Nigerian heritage on their electoral victories in the United States.

Your achievements demonstrate what is possible through dedication, public participation and commitment to community service.

As you take up your responsibilities, remember that the true measure of leadership is not the office one occupies, but the positive and lasting difference one makes in the lives of the people. May your tenure be marked by integrity, wisdom, fairness, accountability and meaningful service.

We also encourage you to keep strong ties with your Nigerian heritage, and to contribute to Nigeria’s development through knowledge sharing, mentorship, institutional partnerships and youth empowerment.

Congratulations, and may God grant you the wisdom and strength to serve with distinction.”

The Great Nigerian Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountable leadership, citizen participation and measurable community development, emphasising that the ultimate value of public office lies in the positive difference it makes in people’s lives.