Meet the Two Ghanaian-American Women Who Have Won Seats in US State Legislature

Two Ghanaian-American women, Bernice Mireku-North and Abena Affum-McAllister, have won seats in the Maryland House of Delegates following the November 2026 elections in the United States.

The two politicians will represent District 14 and District 28, respectively, adding to the growing number of Ghanaian-descended individuals holding public office in the United States.

While Mireku-North secured another term in District 14, Affum-McAllister won election to represent District 28 for the first time.

Bernice Mireku-North has retained her seat in District 14 after receiving 30,372 votes, representing 31.54% of the total votes cast.

She first entered the Maryland House of Delegates in January 2023 after being appointed to represent Montgomery County.

Mireku-North is the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants and has strong family connections across Ghana, the United States, Mexico and Europe.

Before venturing into politics, she established herself in the legal profession, completing two judicial clerkships and serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney for six years before transitioning into private practice.

She currently works as the Managing Attorney of The North Law Group, LLC, and has maintained active involvement in several professional bar associations.

Since 2023, she has represented District 14 in the Maryland legislature, concentrating on policies designed to promote safer, stronger and healthier communities.

At the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Mireku-North serves on the Ways and Means Committee, including its Local Revenues and Early Childhood subcommittees.

She is also affiliated with several legislative groups, including the Legislative Black Caucus, Legislative Latino Caucus, Transit Caucus and Women Legislators of Maryland.

Alongside her legislative responsibilities, she continues to practise law, with her areas of specialisation covering criminal defence, family law, wills and trusts, and business litigation.

Abena Affum-McAllister secured victory in the District 28 race after obtaining 32,679 votes, representing 26.93% of the total ballots cast.

She finished second in the three-candidate contest and defeated both Republican contenders in the election.

A native of Charles County, Affum-McAllister has developed a strong background in political leadership, grassroots mobilisation and criminal justice reform.

In 2017, she made history by becoming the youngest person and the second Black woman to head the Charles County Democratic Central Committee.

She subsequently became the first person from Charles County to secure an executive officer position within the Maryland Democratic Party, serving as Deputy Secretary.

Her public service activities have also focused on youth empowerment and community justice, particularly in Southern Maryland.

In her professional capacity, Affum-McAllister currently serves as Director of Criminal Justice Reform Initiatives at the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/US-Elections-Meet-the-2-Ghanaian-American-women-elected-to-Maryland-House-of-Delegates-2060611

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