By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Voters in 15 states elected female governors on Tuesday, setting a new record for the number of women serving simultaneously as state chief executives. With several races still uncalled, at least eight Democratic women and two Republican women were projected to win their contests.
Democratic Gains in Battleground States
Democratic women flipped governorships in key battlegrounds, including former public health official Amy Acton in Ohio and state Representative Gina Hinojosa in Texas. Hinojosa, a daughter of the Rio Grande Valley, highlighted her historic victory in her speech. In Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar won the governorship, while Helena Foulkes prevailed in Rhode Island.
Historic Firsts
Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black female governor in U.S. history after winning in Georgia. In her victory speech, Bottoms quoted the 1971 song "If I Were Your Woman," telling supporters she would never stop loving the state.
Republican Women Also Win
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders won re-election, and Marsha Blackburn was elected governor in Tennessee, adding to the Republican tally.
Incumbents Re-elected
In Massachusetts and New York, Maura Healey and Kathy Hochul secured second terms. In Maine, Hannah Pingree was projected to win, keeping a woman in the office after Janet Mills' two terms.
Previous Record Surpassed
The previous high of 14 female governors serving at once was reached briefly last year and sustained after the 2025 elections. Tuesday's results push that number to at least 15.
Races Still Undecided
Several contests, including those in Oregon and New Hampshire, remained uncalled after midnight Eastern Time. Those races also feature two female major-party nominees, meaning the final count could rise further.
