Filipino American Candidates Shine Bright in 2026 Midterm Elections
NEW YORK — November 3, 2026, marked a poignant moment for Filipino Americans as a wave of victories surged through congressional and state races across the nation. The triumphs were evident in various states, showcasing the strength and resilience of the Filipino community. As ballots continued to be counted, at least six Filipino American candidates emerged victorious or were projected to win in Virginia, California, Nevada, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
In Virginia, the heartwarming reelection of Democratic Representative Robert “Bobby” Scott was a highlight. This remarkable victory pushed him into his 18th consecutive term in the US House of Representatives. What made this moment even more special? Scott is not just a politician; he’s a pioneer—recognized as the first voting member of Congress with Filipino ancestry, drawing pride from his familial roots.
Moving to the sunny state of California, Rob Bonta soared to victory once again, retaining his position as the attorney general. He defeated Republican challenger Michael Gates, continuing his legacy as the state’s first attorney general of Filipino descent. Alongside him, fellow Democrat Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina elected to the California Legislature, celebrated her own victory in Assembly District 52. Their wins are not just numbers; they represent hopes and dreams for many.
The victories didn’t stop there. In Assembly District 67, Mark Pulido, a dedicated Cerritos councilmember and former mayor, was leading the charge. Farther west, in Nevada, Erica Mosca made history as the state’s first Filipina legislator by winning her reelection bid in Assembly District 14. Over in North Carolina, Filipino American Representative Maria Cervania celebrated a well-deserved triumph against Republican Bruce Forster, cementing her place in House District 41.
And let’s not forget about Tennessee, where Representative Justin Jones, with his Black and Filipino heritage, proudly won another term in House District 52. This is a powerful testament to the diverse identities within our communities.
Local races in California were also brimming with excitement as Filipino American candidates fought for city council seats. Ollie Cantos and Letty Lopez were leading in West Covina, while Ditas Yamane made her mark in National City. The promising Melissa Ramoso emerged as one of the top vote-getters in Artesia’s city council contest.
In Hawaii, the results were shining, too. Partial official returns placed Joy San Buenaventura and Rachele Lamosao ahead in state Senate races. Greggor Ilagan, Shirley Ann Templo, Diamond Garcia, and Darius Kila led their respective battles for positions in the state House.
Awakening pride extended beyond the continental US, as candidates of Filipino ancestry also made strides in the US territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The spirited Shelly Vargas Calvo secured a place among the 15 winning candidates for Guam’s territorial Legislature, receiving a commendable 11,428 votes. Meanwhile, in the Northern Mariana Islands, four incumbents with Filipino roots successfully upheld their positions in the race. Their stories trace back to provinces like Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Quezon City, adding a rich tapestry to their victories. Another promising candidate, Michael Evangelista, is poised to move to a runoff in the Northern Mariana Islands attorney general race.
As the final ballots are counted, the exhilarating prospect of more wins looms on the horizon. Every victory, every story of triumph adds to the vibrant narrative of Filipino Americans making waves in politics.
The road ahead is bright, full of promise, and our community stands united, cheering for those who dare to dream big and lead the way. Here’s to the future, and to the true representation of the Filipino spirit in every corner of the nation.
