FAMU Celebrates Alumni Elected to Serve in Congress, Territorial, State and Local Government
FAMU graduates continue the university’s legacy of leadership and public service following Nov. 3 election victories
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2026) — Florida A&M University (FAMU) congratulates its alumni elected or reelected to public office during the 2026 election cycle, celebrating graduates whose leadership will help shape communities across Florida, Georgia, Oregon and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
From Congress and territorial leadership to state legislatures and local government, these Rattlers carry forward a tradition of service rooted in the university’s commitment to educating students who make meaningful contributions to society.
"At FAMU, we prepare our students to lead with integrity, serve with compassion and
put their knowledge to work improving the lives of others. These victories show the
caliber of students we attract and the leaders we send into the world: poised, prepared
and called to serve,” said FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “They come from different places, different backgrounds, and bring different perspectives.
They share one foundation: listen first, solve problems and open the door of opportunity
wider for the next person. That is our 1890 land-grant mission at work, and it is
Excellence with Caring in action. We congratulate each of them, and we look forward
to the stronger communities their leadership will build, where every person has the
chance to thrive."
The university commends the following graduates:
- Oliver G. Gilbert III, elected to represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from FAMU. Gilbert brings experience as a Miami-Dade County commissioner and former mayor of Miami Gardens to his new role in Congress.
- Janelle Bynum, reelected to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from FAMU. An engineer, business owner and former state legislator, Bynum will continue serving her district in Congress.
- Milton Potter, elected lieutenant governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from FAMU. Potter will bring his experience in public administration and the territorial Legislature to his new executive leadership role.
- Lydia Powell, elected Georgia state school superintendent, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science education from FAMU in 1998. An experienced educator and school administrator, Powell will bring her classroom and leadership experience to the statewide office.
- Omari Crawford, reelected to the Georgia House of Representatives, District 89, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2008 and a Master of Public Administration in 2009 from FAMU. An attorney, Crawford won another term servinghis DeKalb County constituents.
- Gallop Franklin II, reelected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 8, earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from FAMU. Franklin secured another term without opposition and did not appear on the ballot because neither a primary nor a general election was required for his seat.
- Temika Hampton-Johnson, elected circuit judge for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, Group 1, earned her law degree from FAMU in 2013. Her legal experience includes criminal defense, family law and mediation. She will serve the circuit encompassing Orange and Osceola counties.
- Andrea Fant, elected circuit judge for Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Group 13, earned her law degree from FAMU in 2009. Her professional background includes work as an assistant public defender and a private practice attorney. She will serve the circuit encompassing Brevard and Seminole counties.
- Ramona Franklin, elected judge of the 496th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas, earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in criminal justice from FAMU. A former Harris County district judge, Franklin brings more than two decades of experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and jurist to the bench.
- Roberta Walton Johnson, elected Orange County clerk of courts, is a FAMU undergraduate alumna and a member of the FAMU College of Law’s inaugural graduating class of 2005. Her legal career includes service as general counsel for the clerk’s office and work to improve public access to court services.
- Kamia Brown, elected to the Orange County Commission, District 2, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from FAMU in 2003. A former member of the Florida House of Representatives, Brown will bring her legislative and community development experience to county government.
- Gwen Myers, reelected to the Hillsborough County Commission, District 3, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from FAMU. Her public service includes a career in county government before her election to the commission.
- Darryl Jones, reelected without opposition to the Leon County School Board, District 3, is a FAMU graduate. He will continue helping guide educational priorities and policies for Leon County students and families.
- Moné Holder, elected to the Jacksonville City Council, At-Large Group 1, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration from FAMU. Holder won the Aug. 18 special election outright, bringing her experience in advocacy and community engagement to city government.
- Dianne Williams-Cox, reelected to Seat 5 on the Tallahassee City Commission, earned a bachelor’s degree in data processing technology from FAMU. She will continue serving residents of the university’s hometown.
- Derrick Jones Jr., elected to Seat 1 on the West Park City Commission, is a FAMU graduate whose academic background includes political science and public administration. His experience includes constituent services, community engagement and advocacy for residents.
- Mykita Cherry-Prime, elected to Seat 4 on the Miami Gardens City Council, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from FAMU. An educator and community advocate, Cherry-Prime has also supported student scholarships and college access through the FAMU National Alumni Association.
If you are a FAMU alumnus elected or reelected during the 2026 election cycle and
were inadvertently omitted, please contact FAMU Government Relations at: gr@famu.edu
to ensure your achievement is acknowledged and your name is added to this list.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
