Four Nigerian-Americans have secured victories in the United States midterm elections, bringing their Nigerian roots into the political spotlight.
The winners emerged from contests across Maryland, Texas, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. However, another Nigerian-American candidate, Segun Adeyina, was still awaiting his result in Georgia.
The victories highlight the growing presence of Nigerians in American politics. The elected officials include Will Jawando, Junior Ezeonu, Oye Owolewa, and Carol Kazeem.
In Maryland, Jawando won the race for Montgomery County executive. He defeated Republican candidate Esther Wells by a wide margin.
Results published by NBC Washington showed Jawando receiving 237,383 votes, representing 78.15 per cent. Wells polled 66,383 votes, or 21.85 per cent, with 72 per cent of expected votes counted.
Jawando previously served on the Montgomery County Council. He is the son of a Nigerian father and an American mother.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Junior Ezeonu secured a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. He will represent District 101 after emerging as the only candidate in the general election.
Ezeonu was born in Onitsha, Anambra State, and moved to Texas at two. He joined the Grand Prairie City Council in 2021 and later became its youngest mayor pro tempore.
In Washington, DC, Oye Owolewa won an at-large seat on the District of Columbia Council. The 51st reported that he received 69 per cent of the votes, against 21 per cent for independent candidate Elissa Silverman.
Owolewa, a pharmacist, is the son of Nigerian immigrants from Kwara and Osun states. He previously served as the District’s elected shadow representative, advocating for statehood.
However, the role does not give its holder voting rights in the US Congress.
In Pennsylvania, Carol Kazeem retained her seat in the state House of Representatives. She represents District 159.
The result of Segun Adeyina’s contest in Georgia remained pending, as election officials continued counting votes.
