The 2026 midterms proved to be a victory lap for many Black candidates, some who even made history on both sides of the voting spectrum.
No matter where you were watching from, election night proved to be the universal broadcast as both sides of the political spectrum watched with bated breath to see who would prevail in the 2026 midterms.
Let’s just say that for many parts of the nation, the sky was looking rather blue this morning.
RELATED: No Excuses, Just Votes: Hip-Hop Artists Show Up For Election Day 2026
NAACP Takes Emergency Action To Block Federal Agents On Election Day
For Black candidates especially, the wins were coming in by the plenty. We even broke a few racial barriers along the way as many “first-ever” titles were bestowed throughout the night.
These victories demonstrate the growing want and need for Black Americans in leadership positions on both state and federal levels. Each win was a reflection of how far we’ve come as a culture from the days where Black people had to fight for the right to vote. Now we have leaders in office who bring different political perspectives, experiences, and policy priorities to public office. For those who saw their vote matter in the results, the 2026 midterms will forever stand as an important chapter in the ongoing struggle for equal opportunity in America.
Defeating Republican Rick Jackson, Bottoms’ big win in the Georgia gubernatorial race made her the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history and the first Black person elected governor of Georgia.
Besting Democrat David Jolly, Donalds became Florida’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in U.S. history.
Crowley’s win in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race mad him the state’s first Black governor.
In defeating Republican Joe Lombardo, Ford became Nevada’s first Black governor ever.
Moore’s reelection as the governor of Maryland, paired with the wins for Byron Donalds, Keisha Lance Bottoms, David Crowley and Aaron Ford, marks the first time in U.S. history that multiple elected Black governors are serving at the same time.
Plaskett is now the first-ever Black female governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Although the fifth Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, Stratton’s win in Illinois made it the first state to have two women of color in the Senate at the same time. It’s also the first time we’ve ever seen three Black women serving at the same time.
Related Tags
COMMENTARY: 5 Reasons Why Obama Will Beat Romney
2026 Election Day & National Sandwich Day Freebies and Deals
The 30 Most Beautiful Black Women In Hollywood
Three Shot In Wal-Mart In Philly Suburb Over Checkout Dispute 
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
An Urban One Brand
Copyright © 2026 Interactive One, LLC. All Rights Reserved.