Three Black Americans Make History in 2026 US Midterm Gubernatorial Elections
Three Black Americans have made history in the United States after winning gubernatorial elections in Georgia, Florida and Wisconsin during the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
The victories of Keisha Lance Bottoms, Byron Donalds and David Crowley mark significant milestones in American political history, with each becoming the first Black person elected governor in their respective states. Their victories will also increase Black representation among the country's state governors.
In Georgia, Democratic candidate and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson to become the state's next governor. Her victory makes her the first Black woman ever elected governor of a US state. She will also become Georgia's first female governor and first Black governor, ending more than two decades of Republican control of the office.
Bottoms previously served as Atlanta's mayor and later worked in the administration of former President Joe Biden. Her election represents a historic development for Georgia, which has never before elected a woman or a Black person to its highest state office.
In Florida, Republican Congressman Byron Donalds defeated Democratic candidate David Jolly to secure the governorship. Donalds received approximately 50.1 per cent of the vote, making him the first Black Republican elected governor in American history and the first Black person elected governor of Florida.
His victory is another significant development in the country's political landscape, particularly as Black Americans have historically had limited representation in gubernatorial positions across the United States.
Wisconsin also recorded a historic result with Democratic candidate David Crowley defeating Republican Tom Tiffany in the gubernatorial election.
Crowley, who previously served as Milwaukee County Executive, becomes the first Black governor of Wisconsin. His victory adds another state to the list of jurisdictions breaking longstanding racial barriers in gubernatorial leadership.
Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore secured re-election, giving him a second term in office. Moore made history in 2022 when he became Maryland's first Black governor and the third Black person elected governor of a US state.
The latest victories mean that at least four Black Americans, including Moore, will serve as elected state governors following the 2026 elections.
Before Moore's historic election, the only two Black Americans elected governor of a US state were Douglas Wilder of Virginia, who won in 1989, and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, elected in 2006.
The outcomes represent a notable moment in American political history, with Black Americans securing gubernatorial leadership in multiple states across different political parties.
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