Greek-American Candidates in Major 2026 U.S. Elections

Greek-American candidates will appear in consequential federal, statewide and judicial elections across the United States on November 3.

The races extend from a competitive U.S. Senate contest in New Hampshire to statewide offices in California, Nevada and Massachusetts and a nonpartisan Supreme Court election in Washington State.

The candidates do not represent a single political party or ideology. They include Democrats, Republicans and a nonpartisan judicial candidate, illustrating the breadth of Greek-American participation in government.

Here are several of the leading Greek-American candidates and races to follow in the 2026 elections.

Chris Pappas seeks a U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas will face former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu for the New Hampshire U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

Pappas won the Democratic nomination on September 8 after representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District for four terms. Sununu, who previously served one term in the Senate, won the Republican nomination.

The race is receiving national attention because of its potential importance in determining control of the Senate.

If elected, Pappas would become the first Greek American to serve in the Senate since Olympia Snowe of Maine completed her term in January 2013.

His candidacy also means his current House seat is open. Pappas will not appear on the ballot for reelection to the House while seeking the Senate position.

Eleni Kounalakis runs for California state treasurer

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is the Democratic nominee for state treasurer and will face Republican Jennifer Hawks in November.

Kounalakis has served as lieutenant governor since 2019. Her election to that office made her the first woman to serve as California’s lieutenant governor and one of the country’s most prominent Greek-American statewide officials.

The state treasurer oversees California’s borrowing, investments and bond financing. The office also participates in programs involving affordable housing, infrastructure, education and economic development.

Before entering elected office, Kounalakis served as the United States ambassador to Hungary during the Obama administration.

Stavros Anthony seeks another term in Nevada

Republican Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony is running for a second term in Nevada against Democratic Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui.

Anthony advanced without opposition in the Republican primary. Jauregui won a contested Democratic primary in June.

A former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department captain and Las Vegas city councilman, Anthony was elected lieutenant governor in 2022.

Nevada elects its governor and lieutenant governor separately, allowing voters to select candidates from different political parties. The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate and holds responsibilities involving tourism and economic development.

Theo Angelis advances in Washington Supreme Court race

Washington Supreme Court Justice Theo Angelis will face former Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson in the nonpartisan election for Position 5.

Angelis was appointed to the court in March 2026 following the retirement of Justice Barbara Madsen. The November election will determine who serves the remainder of the term.

Four candidates competed in the August primary. Angelis finished first with approximately 36% of the vote, while Larson placed second. Washington’s top-two election system advanced both candidates to the general election.

Although judicial candidates do not run with party labels, the election carries statewide importance. The Washington Supreme Court is the final authority on questions involving state law and the Washington Constitution.

Diana DiZoglio seeks a second term in Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio advanced from the September 1 Democratic primary as she campaigns for a second term.

DiZoglio was elected state auditor in 2022 after serving in the Massachusetts House and Senate. Her tenure has been defined largely by a continuing effort to audit the state Legislature.

Massachusetts voters approved a 2024 ballot measure expanding the auditor’s authority to examine the Legislature. The attempt to implement that measure has produced a prolonged dispute involving the auditor, legislative leaders and other state officials.

Her reelection campaign gives voters an opportunity to evaluate both her broader record and her handling of that transparency fight.

Maggie Goodlander runs for reelection to the U.S. House

Rep. Maggie Goodlander won the Democratic primary in New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District and will face Republican Lily Tang Williams in November.

Goodlander was first elected to Congress in 2024. Her reelection bid is unfolding alongside the state’s competitive Senate race and an open contest for the House seat Pappas is leaving.

She is part of the current Greek-American delegation in the House, which entered 2026 with members from New Hampshire, New York, Nevada and Florida.

Greek-American representation in Congress

Seven Greek Americans served in the U.S. House during the 119th Congress:

Gus Bilirakis of Florida
Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire
Mike Haridopolos of Florida
Nicole Malliotakis of New York
Jimmy Patronis of Florida
Chris Pappas of New Hampshire
Dina Titus of Nevada

The delegation is divided between Democrats and Republicans. Its members represent districts stretching from New England and New York to Florida and Nevada.

Pappas’s campaign for the Senate creates the possibility of Greek-American representation in the upper chamber while simultaneously opening his House seat.

Why the 2026 races matter to Greek America

These candidates are running primarily on issues affecting their own constituents. Their Greek heritage does not determine their political positions, nor does it mean they will agree on domestic or foreign policy.

Their presence nevertheless matters to a community that spent generations building a voice in American civic life.

Greek-American elected officials have participated in debates involving small businesses, education, health care, national security and government accountability. Several have also played important roles in maintaining congressional attention on Greece, Cyprus, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The 2026 election illustrates how far that participation now extends: from the House and Senate to statewide executive offices and one of the country’s highest state courts.

Source: https://hellenicnews.com/2026/09/15/greek-american-candidates-2026-elections/