Historic First in U.S. Midterm Elections: Three Governors of African Descent Elected

The U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday recorded a historic first with at least three candidates of African descent winning governorships, paving the way for more than one Black elected governor to serve at the same time for the first time in United States history, amid the possibility that the number could rise as races continue in other states.

This historic achievement came after Democratic Governor Wes Moore won a second term in Maryland, Republican Representative Byron Donalds won the governorship of Florida, and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governorship of Georgia.

Before the victories of Bottoms and Donalds on Tuesday evening, American history had seen only three Black state governors elected: Wes Moore, Democrat Deval Patrick who was elected governor of Massachusetts in 2006, and Democrat Doug Wilder who was elected governor of Virginia in 1989.

According to NBC News, these governors have never held office simultaneously before.

Other Candidates in the Race
Bottoms, Donalds, and Moore may not remain alone in this historic group for long, as five other candidates of African descent from both major parties ran for state governorships on Tuesday.

Two Democratic candidates of African descent are competing in two closely contested states: David Crowley in Wisconsin and State Attorney General Aaron Ford in Nevada.

In South Carolina, Democratic State Representative Jermaine Johnson is facing a tougher race for the governorship in a state that traditionally leans Republican.

On the Republican side, Representative John James is engaged in a strong contest for the Michigan governorship against Democrat Jocelyn Benson.

In Minnesota, State House Speaker Lisa Demuth is running for governor, amid expectations that she will face difficulty in achieving victory.