# US 2026 gubernatorial election representation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-2026-gubernatorial-election-representation > Updated: 2026-08-26T19:49:26.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The 2026 United States gubernatorial elections are characterized by a record number of Black major-party candidates. This surge in representation includes nominees from both the Democratic and Republican parties, such as Byron Donalds, Aaron Ford, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Jermaine Johnson, David Crowley, Lisa Demuth, and John James. As of the current cycle, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is the only Black governor serving in the country. The election presents opportunities for historic milestones, including the potential election of the first Black woman governor, with Keisha Lance Bottoms campaigning for the position in Georgia. This increase in representation occurs alongside efforts in some Southern states to eliminate majority-Black districts. In addition to shifts in racial representation, the election cycle is marked by significant partisan trends. Eighteen states are currently experiencing record-breaking winning streaks for either the Republican or Democratic parties, with states like Utah and Oregon maintaining long-standing party dominance. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: U.S. gubernatorial elections feature record Black candidates and partisan streaks U.S. gubernatorial elections feature a record number of Black candidates and significant partisan winning streaks in 18 states, including potential historic milestones in Georgia. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-gubernatorial-elections-feature-record-black-candidates-and-partisan-streaks ### 2026-08-22: Eight Black candidates compete for governorships in 2026 elections Eight Black major-party candidates are running for governor in the 2026 U.S. elections, a historic increase compared to the three Black governors elected in American history. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eight-black-candidates-compete-for-governor-in-2026-us-elections --- Cite as: US 2026 gubernatorial election representation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-2026-gubernatorial-election-representation