Nigerian-born Didi Okparake, six other Africans eye US Congress seat

Nigerian-American Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke is among seven candidates of African descent seeking seats in the United States Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.

The contests are also unfolding amid intense political competition, congressional redistricting battles and historically low approval ratings for President Donald Trump.

Dozens of lawmakers are leaving Capitol Hill through resignations, retirements or bids for other political offices, creating opportunities for new entrants.

A report by Rutgers University’s Centre for American Women and Politics noted that, beyond control, the elections could break several representation barriers, with a record 26 women contesting gubernatorial positions across the country.

Among those seeking to make history are seven candidates with roots in Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia and Somalia, contesting congressional seats at a time when immigrant communities face heightened political hostility and tougher immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

Okpareke is looking to create history; she is courting voters with a political message that challenges expectations about her background and identity.

The 43-year-old pharmacist and daughter of Nigerian immigrants is running as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Melanie Stansbury in New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, hoping to become the first Black woman to represent the state in the House of Representatives.

Born in California to parents who left Nigeria after surviving the 1967–1970 Biafran War, Okpareke grew up with stories of hardship, migration and the pursuit of a better life. Her family eventually settled in Albuquerque in 1997, where she attended Sandia High School before earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of New Mexico.

Nearly three decades after making New Mexico her home, she is attempting to translate her experience as a healthcare professional and small-business owner into a political career, campaigning on affordability, economic opportunity, healthcare costs and the role of government in supporting low-income households.

“I’m a pharmacist, a mother of three, and the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. I’m running because we need adequate representation at the table so we can pull our communities forward,” she said.

Her candidacy is notable not only because of her Nigerian heritage but also because of her political affiliation. While immigrant-origin and Black women candidates have often been associated with the Democratic Party, Okpareke is seeking office as a Republican in a state where Democrats have maintained a strong electoral advantage.

She is challenging Melanie Stansbury, who has represented the district since winning a 2021 special election after then-congresswoman Deb Haaland was appointed to lead the US Department of Interior.

Stansbury is seeking another term and has built much of her congressional work around water security, healthcare, public services and federal investment in New Mexico.

Three newcomers seek congressional breakthrough

Among the first-time candidates, El-Sayed, 41, is contesting one of Michigan’s two Senate seats. Born to Egyptian immigrant parents, the public health academic could become the first Muslim member of the US Senate if elected.

A former director of the Detroit Health Department, El-Sayed has campaigned on progressive policies, including universal healthcare and the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. His religion and criticism of Israel have also become contentious issues in the race.

In Colorado, 29-year-old Melat Kiros is seeking to represent Denver in the House of Representatives. Born in Addis Ababa to Tigrayan parents, she defeated 15-term Democratic incumbent Diana DeGette in the party’s June primary.

Kiros rose to prominence after being fired by law firm Sidley Austin for refusing to withdraw a letter criticising law firms that opposed pro-Palestinian protests. She has campaigned against entrenched political interests and money in politics.

Adrian Boafo, 32, is contesting a Maryland congressional seat being vacated by former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

His parents emigrated from Ghana to the United States in the 1980s. Before entering the race, Boafo served on the Bowie City Council and in the Maryland House of Delegates. He also previously worked as Hoyer’s campaign manager.

Three incumbents seek re-election

Three African-origin lawmakers currently serving in the US House are also seeking to retain their seats.

Ilhan Omar, 44, became the first Somali-American elected to Congress in 2018. Born in Mogadishu, she spent part of her childhood in a Kenyan refugee camp after her family fled Somalia following the fall of the Siad Barre government.

Her re-election campaign comes amid renewed political attacks from Trump, who has used racially charged language against Somali-American communities in her Minnesota district.

Joe Neguse, 42, also entered Congress in 2018, becoming the first Eritrean-American elected to the chamber and the first Black congressman from Colorado.

He has since risen through the Democratic Party’s leadership ranks to become assistant House Democratic leader and serves on the House Natural Resources Committee.

Gabe Amo, 38, joined Congress in 2023, becoming the first Black person elected to the House from Rhode Island. Born to a Ghanaian father and Liberian mother, he previously worked in the administrations of former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

A Jamaican-American incumbent, Yvette Clarke, is also seeking re-election, bringing the total number of African and Caribbean diaspora candidates highlighted by The Africa Report to eight.

Clarke, who represents Brooklyn, New York, was first elected to Congress in 2006. Her parents were Jamaican immigrants, and she currently chairs the Congressional Black Caucus.

The growing presence of African-origin lawmakers and candidates in US politics could have implications beyond representation, particularly for debates on immigration, foreign policy, trade and Washington’s relationship with African countries.

As the diaspora seeks to consolidate its presence in Congress, the elections will offer another measure of its growing political influence in the United States.