2026 Could Make Black Political History: Eight Black Candidates Are Now Running for Governor

For the first time in American history, eight Black major party candidates are now positioned to compete for governor’s offices across the country, potentially creating a historic shift in Black representation at the highest levels of state government.

Only three elected governors in U.S. history have been Black. All three have been Democrats and men. Virginia’s Douglas Wilder became the nation’s first elected Black governor in 1990. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is currently the only Black elected governor serving in the country.

That could soon change.

Following Florida Republicans’ nomination of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, seven additional Black major party gubernatorial nominees have joined Moore on November ballots. The candidates include Democrats Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, Jermaine Johnson in South Carolina, Aaron Ford in Nevada and David Crowley in Wisconsin. Republicans Lisa Demuth in Minnesota and John James in Michigan are also competing for governor.

The importance of this moment extends beyond representation alone. Governors have significant authority over education, healthcare, economic development, public safety and voting policies. Having more Black leaders in these positions could bring greater attention to issues that have historically affected Black communities, including healthcare disparities, economic inequality and voting rights.

The field is also significant because it crosses political party lines. Black political representation in statewide executive offices has historically been associated primarily with the Democratic Party. The campaigns of Donalds, Demuth and James demonstrate that the current field represents a broader political spectrum.

The potential impact on Black women is especially notable. Minnesota could elect its first female governor, while Georgia's Keisha Lance Bottoms is also seeking the office. A victory by either Black woman would mark another major milestone in American political history.

The candidates have largely focused their campaigns on their qualifications and policy priorities rather than making history the central message. Moore has similarly argued that being a historic governor is not simply an accomplishment to celebrate. Instead, he views it as a responsibility and a reminder of the progress that remains necessary.

Regardless of the results, the 2026 election cycle has already created a moment that would have been difficult to imagine only a generation ago. For the first time, Black candidates from both major parties are competing for governor's offices in numbers that could permanently change the face of state leadership.