Nigerian-born politician, Kelechi “KC” Ohaebosim, has made history as the second Black Kansan elected to a statewide office in Kansas, United States, nearly 140 years after the first.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ohaebosim, who ran as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher, secured victory in the November 3, 2026, elections.
His victory makes him the first Black person to be elected to a statewide office in Kansas since Edward McCabe, who served as state auditor in the 1880s.
McCabe was elected in 1880 and re-elected in 1884, but was prevented by members of the Republican Party from seeking a third term in 1886.
Ohaebosim was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and spent part of his childhood in Nigeria. He has represented parts of Wichita in the Kansas House of Representatives for nearly a decade.
During his political career, he supported the repeal of a controversial tax policy introduced under former Republican Governor Sam Brownback, which contributed to a revenue crisis in the state.
His election also highlights the growing political participation of Black and Latino voters in Kansas. Democratic victories across several statewide contests were supported by increased participation from these communities.
Chairperson of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, Angeline Johnson, described the development as significant, noting that greater representation in government would help ensure minority communities and their concerns are reflected in political decisions.
