Greek-American candidates secured victories in state legislatures, statewide executive offices and judicial elections across the United States on Tuesday, November 3, with Democrats and Republicans alike winning important contests. The results included the election of new representatives, the return of several established political figures and a number of closely contested races that remained unresolved Wednesday.
Among the most significant developments were the election of Eleni Kounalakis as California State Treasurer, the reelection of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and the election of Greek-American judge Theo Angelis to the Washington State Supreme Court. At the same time, Republican Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony lost his reelection bid in Nevada, while several Greek-American candidates faced defeats in legislative and local elections.
The results also highlighted the geographic reach of Greek-American political participation, with candidates winning seats in states ranging from New Hampshire and Connecticut to Michigan, Kentucky and Arizona.
Statewide victories and new faces in legislatures
In California, Democratic Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis was elected State Treasurer, receiving 4,832,848 votes, or 64.05%, against Republican Jennifer Hawks, who received 2,712,331 votes, or 35.95%, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Kounalakis, the daughter of Greek-American businessman Angelo Tsakopoulos and a former US ambassador to Hungary, will assume responsibility for managing major state financial operations, including public investments and bond issuance. Her election follows two terms as lieutenant governor, a position she has held since January 2019.
In Illinois, Alexi Giannoulias won reelection as Secretary of State, defeating Republican Diane Harris. According to NBC News, with 86.3% of the expected vote counted, Giannoulias received 64.7%, compared with Harris’ 35.3%. The former Illinois State Treasurer, who returned to elected office in 2022, has emphasized modernization of government services and expanded online access to driver’s license and identification procedures.
Giannoulias is also preparing for another political contest, having entered the race for Chicago mayor in February 2027. If elected mayor, he would have to relinquish his statewide office.
Another notable victory came in Washington, where Greek-American judge Theo Angelis was elected to the state Supreme Court. Angelis defeated Dave Larson in the nonpartisan contest for Position 5, receiving 55.59% of the vote against Larson’s 44.41%.
In Kentucky, Republican Daniel Konstantopoulos won election to the state House of Representatives in District 73, defeating Democrat Chelsea Kirk by 8,584 votes to 7,196, or 54.4% to 45.6%.
Michigan also produced two important Greek-American victories across party lines. Democratic Representative Penelope Tsernoglou won a third term in the state House, defeating Republican Frank Lambert in District 75 with 68.53% of the vote. Republican Lynn Afendoulis, meanwhile, returned to the legislature by defeating Democrat Rachel Crowther in District 90, securing 57.32%.
Afendoulis previously served in the Michigan House from 2019 to 2020. Another Republican of Greek descent, Chris Moraitis, held a substantial lead in the state’s 20th Senate District, receiving 55.23% against Democrat Dale Murney’s 43.52%, although the race had not been officially called.
In Arizona, Democrat Stacey Travers secured election to the state House in District 12, a two-member constituency. Travers received 48,132 votes, or 38.6%, while fellow Democrat Armando Montero captured the second seat with 47,154 votes. Republican David Richardson finished third and was not elected.
The elections in New Hampshire brought additional successes. Democrat Efstathia Booras won a seat in the three-member Hillsborough District 8, receiving 1,660 votes, just two fewer than fellow Democrat Frances Nutter-Upham. Christal Lloyd secured the third seat, giving Democrats a sweep of the district.
Benjamin Baroody was elected in Hillsborough District 16, finishing second behind fellow Democrat Maxine Mosley in the two-member district. Democratic Representative Louis Juris also secured reelection in Hillsborough District 7, where he tied with Charlene Bangs Pedersen for second place with 1,556 votes each. Because the district elects three representatives, the tie did not affect either candidate’s election.
Incumbents retain seats as several races remain unresolved
In Pennsylvania, Greek-American Democrat Steve Malagari defeated fellow Greek-American Republican Yanni Lambros in a closely watched contest between two candidates of Greek descent. Malagari won a fifth consecutive term representing the 53rd House District, receiving 67.8% of the vote against Lambros’ 32.2%.
Another Pennsylvania Democrat, Maria Tzanakis Collett, secured reelection to the state Senate in District 12 with 66.2%, defeating Republican Robert F. Costello III.
In New York, Republican Assemblyman Michael Tannousis retained his seat in District 64, which includes portions of Staten Island and southern Brooklyn. Tannousis received 60.92% against Democrat Tim Qorraj’s 37.25%.
Democratic State Senator James Skoufis, of Greek descent, easily secured reelection in New York’s 42nd Senate District. Ηe emphasized his willingness to challenge both the federal government and his own party whenever necessary to defend the interests of the communities he represents.
Democratic State Senator Andrew Gounardes also won reelection in Brooklyn’s 26th Senate District, collecting 81.35% of the vote with support from the Democratic and Working Families parties. In Queens, however, Republican Pamela Michos lost her bid against Democratic Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, who received 62.66%.
Elsewhere in New York, Republican Assemblyman John Lemondes faced an uncertain outcome in District 126. Democrat Ian Phillips led by just 223 votes, with 29,087 against Lemondes’ 28,864,. Outstanding ballots and the possibility of a recount meant the result remained unresolved.
Connecticut produced victories for two incumbent Greek-American women. Republican Nicole Klarides-Ditria won reelection in House District 105 with 58.1%, while Democratic Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw secured a fourth term in District 17 with 62.7%.
Republican Tina Courpas held a narrow lead in Connecticut’s 149th House District, receiving 5,203 votes against Democrat Amiel Goldberg’s 4,836. Democratic Representative Chris Poulos also led in District 81, with 51.4% against Republican Timothy Wilk’s 48.6%, but neither contest had been officially called.
In Delaware, Democratic State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos won a third consecutive term in District 7, defeating Republican Chris Rowe by 67.28% to 32.72%. In Nevada, Democratic Senator James Ohrenschall secured reelection in District 21 with 65.68%.
Greek-American incumbents also held substantial leads in several other states. Democratic Senator Leonidas Raptakis was ahead in Rhode Island’s 33rd Senate District, while Democratic Representative Leon Stavrinakis led in South Carolina’s 119th House District. Republican John Spiros maintained a significant advantage in Wisconsin’s 86th House District, and Republican Mike Cheokas led a three-candidate race in Georgia’s 151st House District. Official declarations remained pending in those contests.
Several candidates secured new terms without facing opponents, including Democrat Savet Constantine in Connecticut, Republican Chuck Efstration in Georgia and Republican Alek Skarlatos in Oregon.
In Massachusetts, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, Republican Representative Steven Xiarhos and State Senators Bruce Tarr and John Velis were reelected unopposed. Democratic Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz also won reelection in Connecticut on Governor Ned Lamont’s ticket.
Not all Greek-American candidates were successful. In Nevada, Republican Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony lost to Democrat Sandra Jauregui, who received 56% against Anthony’s 42.38%. Republican Sophia Tjotjos was defeated by Democratic incumbent Scott DiMauro in Ohio’s 16th House District, while Elena Pavlou finished outside the three winning positions in New Hampshire’s Hillsborough District 6.
In Illinois, Greek-American Republican Patricia Kladis-Schiappa was defeated by Democratic incumbent Paula Deacon Garcia in the race for DuPage County Clerk. According to Decision Desk HQ, Garcia received 202,766 votes, or 62.42%, compared with 122,064 votes, or 37.58%, for Kladis-Schiappa. The Republican candidate, an attorney from Burr Ridge, had campaigned on improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in the county’s election administration.
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