By The Haitian Tribune Staff
November 3, 2026
For the first time in U.S. history, more than one elected Black governor is set to serve at the same time. The milestone follows victories by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Florida Republican Byron Donalds and Georgia Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, according to election-night reports.
Moore won another term in Maryland, Donalds captured Florida’s governorship, and Bottoms won Georgia’s race. Their victories create a historic moment in a country where only a small number of Black candidates have ever been elected governor.
Before Tuesday, the list included Moore, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder. They served in different periods and never held office concurrently.
Donalds has called the historic significance of his candidacy meaningful, while saying his election also reflects Florida voters and the state’s direction. Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, and Moore, Maryland’s incumbent governor, also enter office with the attention that comes with breaking new ground.
The 2026 races could bring additional Black governors. Other Black candidates were competing in states including Wisconsin, Nevada, South Carolina, Michigan and Minnesota, with outcomes still unfolding.
The Haitian Tribune congratulates Governors Wes Moore and Byron Donalds and Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms on their victories. Their achievements mark a significant moment in American political history and representation.
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