Eight Black candidates compete for governorships in 2026 elections

A record eight Black major-party candidates are running for governor in the 2026 United States elections, marking a significant milestone in political representation. Historically, only three Black individuals have been elected to this office: Douglas Wilder, Deval Patrick, and current Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

The diverse slate of candidates includes both Democrats and Republicans across several states. Notable nominees include Florida Republican Byron Donalds, Nevada Democrat Aaron Ford, Georgia Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, South Carolina Democrat Jermaine Johnson, Wisconsin Democrat David Crowley, Minnesota Republican Lisa Demuth, and Michigan Republican John James.

If successful, these candidates could achieve further historic firsts, such as the election of the nation’s first Black woman governor. While the candidates represent different political ideologies, many emphasize that their presence on the ballot addresses long-standing issues regarding representation and the visibility of African American community concerns in state government.