Some of the results of the US midterm elections have been announced and with nearly 500 seats in the House of Representatives and Senate, there’s a lot to take in.
The Greek Herald have tried to make it a little bit easier for you with this breakdown of at least six Americans of Greek heritage who have already been re-elected.
Chris Pappas:
Democratic incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas won re-election on Tuesday in New Hampshire’s first congressional district by defeating Republican challenger Karoline Leavitt.
Incumbent Pappas, the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire, formerly served in the New Hampshire state House of Representatives and on the New Hampshire Executive Council.
“There is so much more to do, and I’ll always stay focused on solving problems the New Hampshire way,” Pappas said on Twitter after the victory announcement.
Eleni Kounalakis:
California Lieutenant Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has been elected for another term, defeating Republican challenger Angela Underwood Jacobs.
Kounalakis made history earlier this year by becoming the first woman to sign a bill into state law in California.
After her victory, Kounalakis wrote on Twitter: “Tonight’s win is bittersweet without my biggest supporter, my mother. I will strive to always lead with the love, kindness and patriotism that she taught me.”
Gus Bilirakis:
Incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis retained his seat in the US House in Florida’s 12th congressional district, which represents Pasco and northern Pinellas counties.
Bilirakis defeated Democrat Kimberly Walker with 70 percent of the vote.
“I’d like to thank my constituents for giving me the privilege to continue serving as your voice in Washington. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and look forward to the chance to build upon that success,” Bilirakis said on Twitter.
Nicole Malliotakis:
Representative Nicole Malliotakis defended her seat on Tuesday against Max Rose.
Malliotakis was widely expected to win re-election in New York’s 11th Congressional District, which encompasses Staten Island and a section of southern Brooklyn, and is the most conservative-leaning in the city.
“This is not my victory. It is truly the victory of the people,” Malliotakis said in a speech.
John Sarbanes:
Rep. John Sarbanes has been re-elected to the state’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican Yuripzy Morgan.
The district consists of parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County.
Sarbanes has represented Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District since 2007. He is also the chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force.
Alexi Giannoulias:
Democrat Alexi Giannoulias will be Illinois’ next secretary of state after a run against Republican Dan Brady.
With 90% of precincts reporting, Giannoulias had 54% of the vote, compared to Brady’s 44%. This is the first time in 24 years that someone other Jesse White will be leading the office.
After his victory, Giannoulias wrote on Twitter: “Thank you Illinois for placing your trust in me. I won’t let you down!”