Five Democrats and three Republicans are competing across eight states, a remarkable milestone in a nation that has elected only three Black governors

WASHINGTON (FNN) — Eight Black major-party nominees are running for governor across the United States in the 2026 general election, creating an unprecedented moment in American gubernatorial politics.

The field spans both major parties and eight states: Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Five nominees are Democrats and three are Republicans. Seven are seeking to become the first Black governor elected in their respective states, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is seeking reelection.

The number is particularly striking because only three Black Americans have ever been elected governor: Douglas Wilder of Virginia, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and Moore of Maryland. All three are Democrats and men.

That means more than twice as many Black major-party gubernatorial nominees are competing in 2026 alone as the total number of Black Americans ever elected governor.

Eight Black major-party nominees are running for governor across eight states in the November 2026 general election: Keisha Lance Bottoms (D-Georgia), David Crowley (D-Wisconsin), Byron Donalds (R-Florida), Lisa Demuth (R-Minnesota), Aaron Ford (D-Nevada), John James (R-Michigan), Jermaine Johnson (D-South Carolina) and Wes Moore (D-Maryland). Moore is seeking reelection, while the other seven could become the first Black governors elected in their respective states. Source Florida National News (FNN)

Why It Matters: Eight Nominees, Only Three Black Governors Elected

Governors occupy some of the most powerful elected positions in American government, overseeing state agencies and budgets while exercising authority over legislation, appointments and executive policy.

Yet Black representation in governors’ mansions has remained exceptionally rare.

Wilder became the nation’s first elected Black governor when Virginia voters elected him in 1989. Patrick followed in Massachusetts in 2006. Moore became the third with his Maryland victory in 2022. Moore is currently the nation’s only Black governor.

The 2026 field could significantly expand that history — and potentially establish several additional firsts.

Either Keisha Lance Bottoms or Lisa Demuth could become the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history. Republican nominees Byron Donalds, John James and Demuth also represent the possibility of another gubernatorial milestone.

But the candidates do not represent a single political movement. Their backgrounds, ideologies and policy positions differ substantially.

That distinction is central to understanding the significance of 2026: Black representation at the gubernatorial level is appearing across party and ideological lines.

Meet the Eight Black Major-Party Nominees

Byron Donalds — Florida — Republican

Former U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds won Florida’s Republican gubernatorial nomination Aug. 18 and is seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Donalds previously served in the Florida House before his election to Congress representing Southwest Florida. A prominent conservative and ally of President Donald Trump, Donalds faces Democratic nominee and former Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly in November. Florida election records confirm the Donalds-Jolly general-election matchup.

If elected, Donalds would become Florida’s first Black governor.

Wes Moore — Maryland — Democrat

Wes Moore is the only incumbent governor among the eight nominees.

An Army veteran, Rhodes Scholar, author and former nonprofit executive, Moore was elected in 2022, becoming Maryland’s first Black governor and only the third Black American elected governor of any state.

He is seeking a second term.

Keisha Lance Bottoms — Georgia — Democrat

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is the Democratic nominee in Georgia.

Bottoms served as Atlanta mayor from 2018 to 2022 and later served in President Joe Biden’s administration. She faces Republican Rick Jackson in November.

A Bottoms victory would make her Georgia’s first Black governor and could make her the nation’s first Black woman elected governor.

John James — Michigan — Republican

John James, a businessman, Army veteran and former member of Congress, is Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial nominee.

James previously mounted two campaigns for the U.S. Senate before winning election to the U.S. House in 2022. He faces Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson in November.

A James victory would make him Michigan’s first Black governor.

Lisa Demuth — Minnesota — Republican

Minnesota Republican Lisa Demuth entered the 2026 campaign with a history of breaking political barriers in her state.

Demuth, a business owner and state lawmaker, became Minnesota’s first Black House speaker. She defeated a Republican primary field that included MyPillow founder Mike Lindell and now faces Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election.

If elected, Demuth would become Minnesota’s first Black governor and could become the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history.

Aaron Ford — Nevada — Democrat

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is the Democratic nominee for governor.

Ford previously served as majority leader of the Nevada Senate and became Nevada’s first Black attorney general. He is challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.

A victory would make Ford Nevada’s first Black governor.

David Crowley — Wisconsin — Democrat

David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive and a former Wisconsin state representative, won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination after a closely contested primary.

Crowley became the first Black person elected Milwaukee County executive in 2020. He faces Republican Tom Tiffany in November.

If elected, Crowley would become Wisconsin’s first Black governor.

Jermaine Johnson — South Carolina — Democrat

South Carolina state Rep. Jermaine Johnson is the Democratic nominee for governor.

Johnson has served in the South Carolina House since 2020 and is seeking the state’s highest executive office.

If elected, Johnson would become South Carolina’s first Black elected governor.

Five Democrats, Three Republicans — And Different Political Visions

The historic nature of the field should not obscure its political diversity.

Democrats: Wes Moore, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Aaron Ford, David Crowley and Jermaine Johnson.

Republicans: Byron Donalds, John James and Lisa Demuth.

The candidates differ on major questions of taxation, abortion, education, voting laws, health care, economic policy and the role of state government.

AP reported that many of the candidates have not made race the centerpiece of their campaigns, instead emphasizing their qualifications, policies and governing priorities.

Their shared place in history therefore should not be interpreted as shared politics.

Florida’s History: Andrew Gillum Came Close in 2018

Florida has faced the possibility of electing its first Black governor before.

In 2018, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat, faced Republican Ron DeSantis in the general election.

Gillum came remarkably close to making history. DeSantis ultimately prevailed by roughly 32,000 votes out of more than 8 million cast, a margin of less than half a percentage point.

Gillum’s defeat left Florida without a Black governor.

Eight years later, the possibility has returned from the opposite side of the political aisle.

Donalds won the Republican nomination with 811,131 votes, or 47.79%, in the Aug. 18 primary, according to official Florida election results. Jolly captured 60.95% of the Democratic primary vote.

The historical connection between Gillum and Donalds is narrow but significant: they represent different parties, political philosophies and eras, but both became major-party nominees with an opportunity to become Florida’s first Black governor.

2026 Could Produce Several Historic Firsts

The November elections could substantially rewrite the history of Black gubernatorial representation.

Seven nominees could become the first Black governor elected in their states. Bottoms or Demuth could become America’s first Black woman elected governor. Moore could win another term as Maryland’s first Black governor.

The outcomes will ultimately depend on voters evaluating each candidate individually — their records, policies, qualifications and visions for their states.

Historical significance does not determine an election result.

A National Milestone Before November Votes Are Counted

Whatever voters decide, 2026 has already established a milestone.

Eight Black major-party nominees are competing for governor across eight states in the same general-election cycle — more than twice the number of Black Americans who have ever been elected governor.

They are Democrats and Republicans, incumbents and challengers, veterans, lawmakers, executives and attorneys. Their political philosophies differ, sometimes dramatically.

What connects them historically is much narrower — but consequential.

For the first time, American voters in eight states will simultaneously consider Black major-party nominees for governor, putting the possibility of several new chapters in American political history directly in the hands of voters this November.