Meet the Two Ghanaian Women Who Have Just Won Elections in the United States

Two women of Ghanaian descent have secured victories in the 2026 Maryland elections in the United States, giving Ghanaians another reason to take interest in the political activities of people with Ghanaian roots living abroad.

The women, Bernice Mireku-North and Abena Affum-McAllister, have both won seats in the Maryland House of Delegates, a key part of the state’s lawmaking body.

Their victories have attracted attention because they show how people with Ghanaian backgrounds are taking part in public leadership outside their country of origin.

However, while both women have now been declared winners, their political journeys are not exactly the same. Mireku-North is returning to the House after serving since 2023, while Affum-McAllister has won a seat that will make her a new member of the legislature.

Mireku-North contested in District 14, which covers part of Montgomery County. She ran as a Democrat and received 32,400 votes, representing 31.58 per cent of the votes recorded for the three available seats.

She is a lawyer and the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants. Her educational background includes the University of Maryland and Howard University School of Law. Before entering the legislature, she worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Anne Arundel County and later established her legal practice.

During her time in the Maryland House of Delegates, she has served on the Ways and Means Committee, which deals with important issues affecting public finances and government programmes.

Affum-McAllister, on the other hand, contested in District 28 and secured 37,458 votes, representing 27.25 per cent of the votes. She also ran on the Democratic ticket.

Her professional background includes work as a policy strategist and in criminal justice reform. She has been involved in Democratic Party activities in Maryland and has worked on issues affecting communities in the state.

The Maryland House of Delegates has an important role in making laws, approving the state budget and debating policies that affect residents. Its members represent different districts and serve four-year terms.

For many Ghanaians following the development, the victories are worth celebrating because they reflect the growing participation of people with Ghanaian roots in politics and public service abroad.

However, the bigger responsibility now rests on the two women to deliver on the expectations of the people who voted for them. Their election victories are an important achievement, but their work in the legislature will determine the impact they make.