Five Black governors make history in 2026 U.S. elections

For the first time in American history, five Black governors will serve simultaneously following a historic 2026 election.

Voters elected four new Black governors Tuesday, Nov. 3, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore secured another term.

The victories span Georgia, Nevada, Wisconsin, Maryland and Florida, marking an unprecedented milestone in American politics.

According to The Washington Post, only three Black Americans had previously won gubernatorial elections nationwide. None served simultaneously.

Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Elected Governor

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms made history in Georgia, becoming the first Black woman elected governor of any U.S. state.

The former Atlanta mayor defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson, ending more than two decades of Republican control of Georgia’s governorship.

According to The Associated Press, Bottoms campaigned on expanding Medicaid, raising wages and addressing economic challenges.

Her victory also made her Georgia’s first female governor.

Aaron Ford and David Crowley Break Barriers

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford defeated Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, becoming Nevada’s first Black governor.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin.

Crowley’s victory made him the first Black governor in Wisconsin’s 178-year history.

The Associated Press reported that Crowley overcame significant childhood hardships before entering public service.

He grew up in Milwaukee, where his family struggled with poverty, substance abuse and housing instability.

Crowley later served in the Wisconsin Legislature before becoming Milwaukee County executive in 2020.

Both victories represent major breakthroughs in states that had never elected Black governors.

Byron Donalds Becomes Florida’s First Black Governor

Republican Congressman Byron Donalds also made history, defeating Democrat David Jolly in Florida’s gubernatorial race.

Donalds became Florida’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in U.S. history.

His victory continued Republican control of Florida’s governorship, which Democrats have not won in more than three decades.

According to The Associated Press, Donalds campaigned on economic concerns, including rising costs and homeowners insurance.

Wes Moore Wins Reelection in Maryland

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore secured a second term after defeating Republican Dan Cox.

Moore first made history in 2022 as Maryland’s first Black governor.

His reelection places him alongside four newly elected Black governors when their terms begin in January 2027.

The victories also highlight the political diversity of the incoming governors, with four Democrats and one Republican.

A Historic Turning Point for Black Political Representation

The 2026 election results represent a remarkable shift in American political leadership.

Before this election, only L. Douglas Wilder, Deval Patrick and Wes Moore had won gubernatorial elections as Black candidates.

Now, five Black governors will lead states simultaneously, establishing a new record for representation in the nation’s highest state executive offices.

Their victories mark a defining chapter in American political history.