American politics has witnessed a historic breakthrough following the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, with five Black politicians winning governorships across the country.
For the first time in US history, multiple elected Black governors will serve simultaneously, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political representation.
The winners include Democrats Wes Moore, Keisha Lance Bottoms, David Crowley and Aaron Ford, alongside Republican Byron Donalds. Their victories span Maryland, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada and Florida. They also represent different political backgrounds, reflecting the growing influence of Black politicians across party lines. 
Beyond the five state-level victories, the US Virgin Islands also elected its first female governor, Stacey Plaskett.
Five Black Governors to Serve Simultaneously
The election victories have broken a longstanding political barrier in the United States.
Wes Moore secured re-election in Maryland, while Byron Donalds won Florida’s governorship for the Republican Party. Meanwhile, Democrats Keisha Lance Bottoms, David Crowley and Aaron Ford also emerged victorious in Georgia, Wisconsin and Nevada, respectively.
Their victories mean Black politicians will hold several gubernatorial offices simultaneously for the first time in US history.
Previously, Doug Wilder made history in 1989 as Virginia’s first Black governor. Deval Patrick followed in 2006 after winning Massachusetts’ governorship. Moore later became Maryland’s first Black governor, adding his name to the short list.
Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Governor
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms has broken a major gender and racial barrier by becoming the first Black woman elected governor of a US state.
The Associated Press projected her victory in Georgia, marking a defining moment for women in American politics. Bottoms previously served as Atlanta’s mayor before pursuing the governorship.
Her election also places Georgia among the states making history through increased Black political representation.
Byron Donalds Becomes Florida’s First Black Governor
Republican Byron Donalds has made history as Florida’s first Black governor. The US congressman defeated Democratic candidate David Jolly in the November 3 general election, according to CBS News projections.
His victory also makes him the first Black Republican elected governor of a US state. Donalds’ achievement represents another significant milestone in the country’s political history, particularly within the Republican Party.
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David Crowley Breaks 178-Year Barrier in Wisconsin
Democrat David Crowley has become Wisconsin’s first Black governor after defeating Republican US Representative Tom Tiffany. Crowley’s victory ends a 178-year wait for the state to elect a Black person to its highest political office.
His journey has attracted attention because he grew up in one of the country’s poorest neighbourhoods. He will succeed Governor Tony Evers, who chose not to seek a third term.
Crowley’s victory also extends Democratic control of Wisconsin’s governorship beyond eight consecutive years.
Stacey Plaskett Becomes First Female US Virgin Islands Governor
Beyond the mainland victories, Democrat Stacey Plaskett has made history in the US Virgin Islands. She defeated several opponents to become the territory’s first elected female governor. Her running mate, Senate President Milton Potter, will serve as lieutenant governor.
Unofficial results released by the Elections System of the Virgin Islands showed Plaskett securing 11,865 votes. Her closest challenger, former Senator Adlah ‘Foncie’ Donastorg, received 2,507 votes. Oakland Benta followed with 2,273, while Warren Mosler secured 1,293 and Gustav James received 637.
Plaskett’s victory breaks a longstanding gender barrier in the Caribbean territory. Although she is not the first Black person to serve as a US governor, she becomes the first woman to lead the Virgin Islands.
Her achievement, alongside Bottoms’ historic victory in Georgia, adds another remarkable chapter to the country’s evolving political landscape.
Wes Moore won his reelection
He won his reelection bid, defeats his Republican opponent Dan Cox and secures his second term as Maryland’s governor for the next four years.
The contest was a rematch of a 2022 battle when Moore beat Cox with nearly two-thirds of the vote and became Maryland’s first Black governor.
His second term will give him another opportunity to pursue an agenda centered on making Maryland more affordable, lowering energy costs, strengthening the economy and attracting new businesses and investments.
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