On February 18, 2026, representatives of the American Hellenic Council (AHC) attended a fundraising event in Orange County, California, in support of Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Joni Ernst. The event, held at a private estate in the Orange Coast area, brought together more than 80 supporters, along with elected officials, candidates, and community leaders.

Among those in attendance were Congresswoman Young Kim and congressional candidate Chuong Vo. The gathering also provided an opportunity to reconnect with Congresswoman Kim, further strengthening an already established relationship.

AHC members engaged in substantive discussions with Congresswoman Hinson, Congresswoman Kim, and Mr. Vo, focusing on key issues of importance to Greece and Cyprus. These included regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the role of U.S. bases in Greece, the “3+1” cooperation framework (Greece–Cyprus–Israel–United States), and emerging energy and infrastructure initiatives such as IMEC, the EastMed corridor, and LNG connectivity.

The event also allowed for more personalized exchanges with Congresswoman Hinson. These conversations underscore the value of early engagement with candidates seeking higher office, helping to build awareness and understanding of Hellenic and Cypriot priorities.

Overall, the event proved highly productive, enabling AHC to expand its network, deepen relationships with current Members of Congress, and establish connections with emerging leaders. As Congresswoman Hinson’s Senate campaign progresses, AHC looks forward to continuing this dialogue and strengthening engagement with policymakers at the national level.