Two Greek-American lawmakers from the Delaware Valley won reelection Tuesday, November 3, as Pennsylvania State Rep. Steve Malagari and Delaware State Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos defeated Republican challengers by wide margins.
The results give Malagari a fifth term in the Pennsylvania House and Mantzavinos a third term in the Delaware Senate. Both victories were reported with 99% of the expected vote reporting, according to unofficial election returns.
Malagari Wins Fifth Term in Montgomery County
Malagari, a Democrat, defeated Republican Yanni Lambros in Pennsylvania’s 53rd House District, receiving 18,592 votes, or approximately 68%, compared with Lambros’s 8,816 votes, or 32%, according to 6abc’s election returns.
The reported margin was larger than in 2024. Malagari led Lambros by 9,776 votes, compared with a 7,145-vote margin against Republican Cheryl Bonavita two years earlier. First elected in 2018, Malagari has now won five consecutive elections in a district Republicans represented for decades before his arrival.
The race drew particular interest because both candidates are of Greek descent and grew up in Lansdale. Lambros, who owns Koffee Korner Cafe, entered the contest after winning the Republican nomination through write-in votes during the May primary.
Malagari’s campaign emphasized public education, health care affordability, and infrastructure, while Lambros focused on property tax relief, small-business concerns, and government accountability.
Cosmos Philly covered the two candidates and their Greek-American backgrounds ahead of Election Day.
Mantzavinos Reelected to Delaware Senate
In Delaware, Democratic State Sen. Spiros Mantzavinos defeated Republican Chris Rowe in the 7th Senate District, which includes Elsmere, Greenbank, Marshallton, and portions of Newport in New Castle County.
Mantzavinos received 10,136 votes, approximately 67%, while Rowe received 4,929 votes, or 33%, according to unofficial returns reported by 6abc. The results can also be followed through Delaware’s Department of Elections.
Rowe campaigned on limiting property tax increases, restructuring public education, and reducing household energy costs. Mantzavinos emphasized health care affordability, education, economic development, and public safety.
First elected in 2020 and reelected in 2022, Mantzavinos chairs the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance and Technology Committee. His recent legislative work includes a measure signed into law in July 2026 requiring long-term care facilities to disclose ownership information and notify residents about ownership transfers.
Mantzavinos has also maintained longstanding connections with Wilmington’s Greek-American community. He previously served on the parish council of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, helped organize its annual Greek Festival, and volunteered as a youth group advisor.
All election figures are unofficial and remain subject to certification.