Meet the young politicians with African roots making history in the US midterms

From a Ghanaian-American congressman to an Ethiopian-born Gen Z lawmaker and the son of Egyptian immigrants elected to the US Senate, politicians with African heritage have recorded notable victories in the 2026 US midterm elections.

The 2026 United States midterm elections have produced historic breakthroughs for several politicians with African roots, highlighting the growing influence of immigrant communities in American politics.

Among the prominent winners are 32-year-old Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo, Ethiopian-born Melat Kiros, and Egyptian-American Abdul El-Sayed, whose victories have attracted attention across the African continent.

Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo heads to Congress

Adrian Boafo, 32, has won Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, succeeding veteran Congressman Steny Hoyer, who retired after more than four decades in public office.

Born in Virginia and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Boafo is the son of Ghanaian immigrants. His political career began in local government, serving on the Bowie City Council before becoming a Maryland state delegate in 2023.

He also worked for Hoyer before contesting the congressional seat. His campaign focused on the cost of living, childcare and protecting federal workers.

Melat Kiros makes Gen Z history

At 29, Ethiopian-born Melat Kiros has become the first Generation Z woman elected to the US Congress.

Kiros moved to the United States as a baby and grew up in Denver, Colorado. Despite having no previous experience in elected office, she defeated a 15-term incumbent in the Democratic primary before securing victory in the general election.

Her campaign focused on the cost of living, universal childcare and healthcare. She has also drawn attention for her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and her calls for changes to US immigration policy.

Abdul El-Sayed wins historic Senate seat

Abdul El-Sayed, 42, the son of Egyptian immigrants, has won Michigan’s Senate race, becoming the first Muslim American elected to the US Senate.

The former public health administrator campaigned on policies including universal healthcare, affordable housing and reducing corporate influence in politics.

His campaign also faced controversy over his Muslim identity and criticism of US military support for Israel.

Other African-rooted politicians record victories

Somali-born Ilhan Omar, 44, secured a fifth term in the US House of Representatives. First elected in 2018, she made history as the first Somali-American elected to Congress.

In Texas, 27-year-old Junior Ezeonu, who was born in Nigeria, won a seat in the State House after previously becoming Grand Prairie’s youngest city council member.

Pennsylvania legislator Carol Kazeem, 34, of Nigerian heritage, also retained her seat in District 159.

The victories have sparked conversations about political representation and the participation of younger generations in public leadership, with observers across Africa following the achievements of politicians whose family histories connect them to the continent