Nigerian-American candidates have achieved major political breakthroughs across the United States, securing important state legislative seats in the midterm elections held on Tuesday.
The victories spanned several states, including Connecticut, Ohio, Texas, and Georgia, according to Peoples Gazette. The successful politicians, running under the Democratic Party, earned strong voter backing to claim both new and returning legislative roles.
In Connecticut, 28-year-old political newcomer Olaleye Onikuyide won his contest to represent District 19 in the Connecticut House of Representatives. In Ohio, 45-year-old Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, who moved to the United States from Nigeria at age 18 and currently serves as mayor and council president of Upper Arlington, won election to District 7 of the Ohio House of Representatives in Franklin County.
Texas also saw a decisive win, with 34-year-old Odus Evbagharu securing 68 per cent of the vote against Republican rival Amanda Labrie to represent District 135 in the Texas House. He will formally take over the seat from Jon Rosenthal in January 2027.
Georgia voters handed third terms to two prominent Nigerian-born lawmakers. Segun Adeyina retained his seat representing District 110 in the Georgia House of Representatives. Adeyina grew up in Nigeria, attending Federal Government College, Ilorin, and the University of Lagos before continuing his studies in the United States at the University of Akron and Lawrence Technological University.
Phil Olaleye, who was first elected to the Georgia legislature in 2022, also secured a third term after defeating Republican challenger Devanta Sullivan with 18,157 votes to Sullivan's 874. Following his victory, Olaleye emphasized the need for affordable healthcare, safe housing, and broad opportunities for families and children across Georgia.
Other Nigerian-American politicians noted for previous midterm triumphs include Will Jawando, Junior Ezeonu, Oye Owolewa, and Carol Kazeem, demonstrating the steady rise and influence of the Nigerian diaspora in American civic and political life.
