KC Ohaebosim, a politician from Wichita, has won the election for lieutenant governor in Kansas. This achievement makes him the first individual of Nigerian descent to hold this specific executive position in the United States. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who leads the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, confirmed the result on the social media platform X. She stated that the race had been called and congratulated the new official on his victory in the November 3 midterms. The role functions similarly to a deputy governor in nations like Nigeria.
Ohaebosim will work with Cindy Holscher, who was elected governor. Holscher, a Democrat from Overland Park, narrowly defeated Republican Ty Masterson. Kansas City public radio station KCUR reported that Holscher won by roughly 0.6 per cent. This margin amounted to fewer than 8,000 votes. An audit process delayed the official declaration of the winner for over a week after the election day. Both officials are scheduled to begin their terms in 2027.
Before seeking the lieutenant governor seat, Ohaebosim served in the Kansas House of Representatives. He represented the 89th District from 2017 until 2026. He left the state legislature to join Holscher’s campaign team. Born in Wichita, he is the son of Dr Linus Ohaebosim, a physician from Nigeria. He spent part of his childhood in Nigeria and received early schooling there. He returned to Kansas for high school at Wichita Heights. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and an MBA from Newman University.
His professional background includes work as a data analyst in the technology sector. In the legislature, he held positions on committees for transportation, budget, and energy. He served as the ranking minority member on the energy and telecommunications committee. KCUR noted that Ohaebosim is the second Black person elected to a statewide office in Kansas. The previous person to hold such a position was Edward McCabe, who served as state auditor in 1882. The election results contributed to Democratic gains in the state, including wins for attorney general and a US Senate seat.