By Salma El-Sakka
Voters in the 2026 midterm elections are projected to have elected a slate of candidates who will make history as the nation's first Black, Native American, and Hispanic female governors, along with other groundbreaking firsts for statewide office. As Democrats are projected to gain control of both the Senate and the House, several gubernatorial and Senate races have produced barrier-breaking victories.
Keisha Lance Bottoms projected as first Black woman governor
Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, is projected to win the Georgia governor's race, defeating billionaire Republican Rick Jackson. The win flips the governor's mansion blue in a state President Donald Trump carried in 2024. Georgia has not elected a Democrat for governor since 1998. Bottoms campaigned on the message that Jackson "may have the money, but the people still have the power," as Jackson spent more than $200 million of his personal fortune on the race.
Deb Haaland set to become first Indigenous governor
Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is projected to win New Mexico's gubernatorial race, becoming the first Indigenous governor in U.S. history. A member of the Laguna Pueblo, Haaland defeated former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. "Tonight, you made history," Haaland wrote on X, emphasizing a future where working families have a chance to get ahead.
Gina Hinojosa projected as Texas' first Hispanic governor
Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is projected to win the Texas governor's race, becoming the state's first Hispanic governor. She unseats Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term. Hinojosa ran on education reform and criticism of Abbott's handling of AI data centers, declaring the race "our last best chance to take back Texas for the people."
Byron Donalds projected as Florida's first Black governor
Republican Rep. Byron Donalds is projected to win the Florida governor's race, becoming the state's first Black governor. Donalds pledged to make life more affordable, keep streets safe, and invest in young people. His campaign drew attention in September when his website removed several references to Trump, though Donalds later reaffirmed his endorsement of the former president.
Dr. Amy Acton breaks barriers in Ohio
Former Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Amy Acton is projected to defeat Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for the Ohio governor's seat. Acton will be the first woman elected governor in Ohio and the first Jewish governor in the state's history. A controversial ad from the Ramaswamy campaign targeting Acton's family history prompted backlash and a surge of support for her candidacy.
Chris Pappas projected as first openly gay senator
In New Hampshire, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas is projected to win the Senate race, becoming the first openly gay senator. He is projected to defeat former Sen. John Sununu, a Republican backed by Trump, in a race seen as a must-hold for Democrats. Pappas campaigned with prominent Democrats including former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
