Women and minority candidates made history in the 2026 US midterm elections. Voters in nine states elected governors who set new records for representation. The wins were important milestones for Black, Native American, Latino and women politicians across the US.
The 56-year-old Democrat’s win also ended more than 20 years of Republican rule in Georgia’s governor’s office, NPR reported. Becerra, a Democrat, will replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, KQED reported. Abbott was a close ally of President Donald Trump and one of the most influential Republican governors in the country, NPR reported.
Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history after defeating Republican candidate Rick Jackson in Georgia. Her victory is a major step forward for Black women’s representation in US politics. Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman elected governor of a US state after defeating Republican Gregg Hull in New Mexico. Xavier Becerra became the first Latino to be elected governor of California after defeating Republican candidate Steve Hilton. Gina Hinojosa became the first Latina to be elected governor of Texas after defeating sitting Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Hinojosa is a Democrat and a member of the Texas state House of Representatives. Wisconsin also elected its first Black governor , Democrat David Crowley, who defeated Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Crowley serves as Milwaukee County executive and made history despite facing a campaign that spent considerably less money than his opponent’s. Ohio elected its first woman governor and first Jewish governor, Democrat Amy Acton. Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in one of the biggest upsets of the election night.
Haaland is of Pueblo Indian descent and previously served as a member of Congress and as Interior secretary under Biden.
