Politics
[OPINION] The GOP is Now the Party of Trump
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Good news for QAnon conspiracy theorists, bad news for democracy: Donald Trump isn’t going anywhere. By recent history’s standards, former president Donald J. Trump was one of the most destructive and dangerous leaders in the United States and he is here to stay. Trump and his compatriots transformed the GOP from what establishment Republicans have long likened to be “the party of Lincoln” to the party of Trump. A cult.
Before Trump stumbled his way onto Air Force One with unpopular first lady Melania Trump in her red bottom heels to the tune of “Y.M.C.A.,” he presented his farewell speech to the nation, breaking tradition and going back to his “home state” of Florida instead of attending the inauguration of his successor, Joseph R. Biden. During the speech, Trump said:
“…I do want to thank Congress and I do want to thank all of the great people of Washington D.C., all of the people that we worked with to put this miracle together.
So have a good life. We will see you soon. Thank you.”
Trump has a lot to thank Congress for, especially the 147 members who voted to overturn the “landslide” presidential election results, the members who brought their guns on Capitol grounds to “defend” second amendment rights, and members who put their colleagues’ lives in danger with their fierce support for such a dangerous president.
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – January 28: Matt Gaetz rails against Liz Cheney at a rally in her home state of Wyoming on January 28, 2021. Image taken by Michael Cummo/AP
The GOP has even turned their back on members who have been long-time leaders of the party, with the Trumpist Arizona GOP censuring Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain (along with Governor Doug Ducey and former Senator Jeff Flake) and Florida’s own congressman Matt Gaetz (R – Fort Walton Beach) berating congresswoman Liz Cheney (R – Wy), Chair of the House Republican Conference and daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney for wisely voting in favor of President Trump’s impeachment for inciting an insurrection.
Just a year away from the start of a 2022 midterm that already looks shaky for the Republican Party, numerous Republican senators from swing states like Pennsylvania have announced their intentions to retire from congress and in the ruins of crushed dreams, popular GOP leaders like Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona have signaled that they will not run for Congress against Democratic incumbents. Instead, the party may not return to its traditionally conservative roots, it will instead go down the populist far-right reactionary position that President Trump has shifted it to. So long as President Trump continues to have his thumb on the party, it will represent the dark eras of American history.
The remnants of the failed Trump administration continue to dominate the Republican Party. On Monday, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House Press Secretary announced her candidacy for what was once held by her uber-conservative father Mike Huckabee, Governor of the ruby-red state of Arkansas. In its endorsement of Sanders, Trump’s Save America PAC called her “a warrior who will always fight for the people of Arkansas and do what is right, not what is politically correct.”
Sanders is not the only insider of the Trump administration running for office, rumors are circulating that a member of his own family, Ivanka Trump, might present a primary challenge against Senator Marco Rubio.
Undermining his own leadership, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also pilgrimaged down to South Florida to meet with Trump on Thursday, convincing Trump to help the Republican Party win back control of the house in 2022, as if Republicans will not help themselves do that by gerrymandering districts.
To demonstrate the gravity of how devastative Trump’s continued presence in the Republican Party is for democracy, numerous insurrectionists who have been arrested explicitly stated that their actions were a direct result of what Trump told them. Even worse is the fact that numerous Trumpist members of Congress have been placed in important committees by Republican leaders, including Georgia’s Marjory Taylor Greene (R – Rome), who has embraced fringe far-right conspiracy theories, harassed Marjory Stoneman Douglas survivor David Hogg, indicated support for executing Democratic members of Congress prior to her 2020 campaign, and much more.
Unfortunately, Rep. Greene increasingly looks like the future of the Republican Party and it is a direct result of Donald Trump’s tumultuous presidency. Many members of the Republican Party, people who once called themselves nationalists and patriots now appear to put their party ahead of their country. The party that once said “America first” is now putting their party first.
The ten Republican members of the House who voted to impeach the former president are now in physical danger and their congressional seats are at stake. Rep. Peter Meijer (R – MI), the son of billionaire Hank Meijer received numerous death threats from Republicans after voting to impeach Trump, prompting him to buy body armor. Meijer held a discussion about the future of the party with CNN Anchor Jake Tapper, stating that:
“We can’t be the party of winking and nodding at the worst impulses that we have seen in the darkest corners of the internet. That’s not how you’re going to have a party that is trusted to govern. That’s not how we’re going to win over moderate independent voters.” Meijer Later went on to say “If Liz Cheney is the person who suffers the most from the events of Jan. 6 politically, it will be a very sad day for my party, I have been impressed by her leadership.”
Although the 2022 race has not started yet, Meijer is already facing a primary challenger. Meijer hails from the 3rd congressional district in Michigan, where his predecessor former Rep. Justin Amash served five terms before voting to impeach Trump the first time and switching from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party, exiting U.S. Congress.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 19: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses 2020 democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at a Bernie Sanders campaign rally in Queensbridge Park on October 19, 2019 in Queens, New York City. (Photo by Bauzen/GC Images)
To counteract the dangers that will result from Trump’s chokehold on the GOP, Democrats must embrace progressives like Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D – NY) and Cori Bush (D – MO), and Senators Bernie Sanders (D – VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D – MA), along with their other progressive colleagues in Congress. This means censuring Democratic Senator Joe Manchin for expressing ideas inconsistent with the Democratic Party and pushing back against Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D – AZ) and Jon Tester (D – MT) for their fierce refusal to get rid of the filibuster, which allows the minority Trumpist Republican Party to veto any legislation that Democrats bring to the table.
Democrats must not let Republicans obstruct any advancement of COVID relief aid, using every possible tool at their disposal to get bold legislation passed. Trumpist Republican Congress members have long pushed lies about the obstruction of COVID relief aid, it is time for Democrats to move on without compromising, by pushing for budget reconciliation, doing what Republicans have failed to do: the job that voters put them in for.
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Supervisor Nathaniel Douglas is the youngest ever elected to the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors in Orange County, Florida, and the youngest elected to public office during the 2020 election. He is a contributing political opinion writer for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com
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Politics
Eight Black Major-Party Gubernatorial Nominees Head to November Ballot in Historic 2026 Election
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.
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