Caribbean-American candidates have recorded a series of significant victories in the United States midterm elections, with Jamaicans among those securing prominent political positions.
Leading the Jamaican-American winners is Byron Donalds, who, according to election reports, has been elected Governor of Florida, becoming the state’s first Black governor.
In Maryland, Wes Moore, whose mother is Jamaican, secured a second term as governor, while Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke won re-election in New York’s Ninth Congressional District.
In South Florida, Jamaican-born Denise Grant was re-elected Mayor of Lauderhill, securing approximately 85 percent of the vote.
Fellow Jamaican Richard Campbell retained his position as Lauderhill City Commissioner, while Jamaican-born Kicia Daniel won another term as City Commissioner in Tamarac.
In New York, Monique Chandler-Waterman, who has Jamaican and Barbadian roots, was re-elected to the State Assembly, representing District 58.
Haitian-American candidates also recorded several victories.
Daphne Campbell returned to the Florida Legislature after eight years, winning House District 108, while Berny Jacques and Mack Bernard secured re-election to the Florida House and Senate, respectively.
In New York, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn retained her State Assembly seat.
There were also historic first-time victories for Haitian-Americans in Florida’s education system.
Linda Cothiere became the first Haitian-American elected to the Miami-Dade County School Board, while Christina Romelus achieved the same milestone on the Palm Beach County School Board.
At the municipal level, Samson Borgelin was re-elected Mayor of North Lauderdale, while Kassandra Timothe and Mary Estimé-Irvin retained their seats on the North Miami City Council. Kerby Altidor was also elected to the El Portal Village Council.
Cuban-American candidates maintained a strong political presence in Florida.
Bryan Ávila was elected Lieutenant Governor for the first time, while Congressman Carlos Giménez secured another term in Washington.
State legislators Ileana Garcia, Alexis Calatayud, Ana Maria Rodriguez and Juan Carlos Porras were also re-elected.
Dominican-American candidates also celebrated congressional victories.
Darializa Ávila Chevalier made history as the first Dominican-American woman elected to Congress, winning New York’s 13th Congressional District.
Manny Rutinel won his first congressional election in Colorado’s Eighth District, while Analilia Mejía secured re-election in New Jersey’s 11th District.
Meanwhile, Guyanese-born Roxanne Persaud was re-elected unopposed to the New York State Senate, representing Brooklyn’s 19th District.
Trinidadian-born Jaime Williams also retained her seat in the New York State Assembly, representing District 59.
And in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Stacey Plaskett reportedly made history by becoming the territory’s first elected female governor.
Her victory paved the way for Janelle Sarauw, who was elected as the territory’s new congressional delegate.
