The young politicians with African roots making history in the US midterms

Adrian Boafo, meanwhile, a second-generation Ghanaian-American, will represent Maryland's 5th Congressional District after succeeding veteran Congressman Steny Hoyer, who retired after a political career spanning more than four decades.

The 32-year-old was born in Virginia and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland. His parents immigrated to the US from Ghana.

Boafo's route to Congress began in local politics. He served on the Bowie City Council before becoming a Maryland state delegate in 2023. He also worked for Hoyer before eventually winning the race to replace him.

His campaign focused on the cost of living, childcare and protecting federal workers, a major issue in a district close to Washington DC and home to thousands of government employees.