Greek-American candidates seek key seats in US midterm elections
Several Greek-Americans are taking part in Tuesday's midterm elections across the United States, contesting both federal seats and state-level offices, with particular attention focused on the Senate race in New Hampshire, where Chris Pappas is seeking election.
Their presence spans both major political parties, reflecting a range of political backgrounds and priorities, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.
In New Hampshire, Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas is facing Republican former senator John E. Sununu for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The contest has national significance, as retaining the seat is a key part of the Democrats' efforts to regain control of the Senate. The cost of living has emerged as a central issue in both candidates' campaigns.
Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, and the great-grandson of Greek immigrants, Pappas has linked his political career to his family's history and its restaurant business, where he worked before being elected to Congress. His Greek heritage gives his candidacy particular significance for the Greek-American community, reflecting the journey of Greek immigrants and their descendants from business and social integration to political representation.
For Greece, the race also has a specific political dimension. As co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, Pappas has spearheaded initiatives concerning Greece and Cyprus. Among other actions, he has led a bipartisan effort opposing Turkiye's return to the F-35 programme while Ankara continues to possess Russian S-400 missile systems.
Pappas represents New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District and has been elected to the House of Representatives four consecutive times, in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024. This is his first campaign for a Senate seat.
In the House of Representatives, six serving Greek-American members are seeking re-election: four Republicans and two Democrats. In Florida, Republican candidates include Gus Bilirakis in the 12th District, Mike Haridopolos in the 8th District and Jimmy Patronis in the 1st District.
Bilirakis, who has served in Congress since 2007 and has personal ties to Donald Trump, is one of Greece's longstanding congressional interlocutors in Washington. On Greek-Turkish relations, he has opposed providing Turkiye with advanced U.S. weapons systems, including F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, citing restrictions under U.S. law and Ankara's conduct in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a joint statement with Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Haridopolos and Jimmy Patronis, he also expressed serious concerns over a proposed sale of military equipment to Türkiye and its occupation of Cyprus.
Haridopolos has previously served as president of the Florida Senate, while Patronis formerly held the position of Florida's chief financial officer.
In New York, Republican Nicole Malliotakis is seeking another term in the House of Representatives, representing the 11th Congressional District, which includes Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn. Her opponent is Democrat Mike DeSillis, a former police officer and educator.
Malliotakis has also been active in congressional initiatives concerning Greek-Turkish relations and Cyprus. Alongside other Greek-American lawmakers, she has opposed Turkiye's return to the F-35 programme while it retains the Russian-made S-400 systems. She has also co-sponsored initiatives criticising Turkiye's maritime claims and its continued occupation of Cyprus.
In Nevada, Democrat Dina Titus is seeking re-election in the 1st Congressional District against Republican Carrie Buck. Titus has taken part in bipartisan initiatives concerning Greece and Cyprus, including efforts to prevent Turkiye from rejoining the F-35 programme while it continues to possess the S-400 systems.
In New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Maggie Goodlander, who was first elected in 2024, is once again facing Republican Lily Tang Williams. Her race is taking place alongside Pappas's Senate bid, adding to the significance of the elections for the Greek-American community in the state.
In California, Democrat Eleni Kounalakis is seeking the office of state treasurer against Republican Jennifer Hawks. The position carries responsibility for overseeing the state's investments, borrowing and bond issuance.
In Illinois, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is seeking a second term as Secretary of State, facing Republican Diane Harris.
In Nevada, Republican Stavros Anthony is seeking re-election as lieutenant governor, with Sandra Jauregui his main Democratic challenger.
Greek-American representation also extends to state legislatures. In New York, Democrats Andrew Gounardes and James Skoufis are seeking re-election to the state Senate, while Republican Michael Tannousis is contesting a seat in the state Assembly.
In Rhode Island, Democratic Senator Leonidas 'Lou' Raptakis is seeking another term, while in Delaware, Democratic Senator Spiros Mantzavinos is also standing for re-election.
The federal contests will determine the extent of Greek-American representation in decision-making in Washington, while the state-level races concern offices with a direct impact on public administration, state finances and legislation.
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