Black Candidates From Both Parties Poised for Historic Governor Bids

In the 250-year history of the United States, voters have elected only three Black governors. As the nation approaches the upcoming November 3 elections, that number could shift significantly, with eight Black candidates from both major parties competing to lead states ranging from the South to the Midwest and the West. By next week, that figure could multiply. Taken together, they represent a record number of candidates in one cycle, while some carry favorable odds and others are long shots. According to still, the nominees largely have not spent much time emphasizing their potential to break through barriers in their own, — or the significance of the history-making moment if several of them win on November 3. “I’d look at them and say, ‘I’m so glad you wanna talk about the economy,’” she said. She told culinary workers they were “going to make history” by electing him.

The historical context of these races is significant, as the nation has only seen three elected Black governors in its existence. Douglas Wilder of Virginia became the first in 1989, followed by Deval Patrick of Massachusetts in 2006. More recently, Wes Moore of Maryland secured his seat in 2022 and is currently seeking a second term. Additionally, David Paterson held the office in New York from 2008 to 2010 after being appointed to finish a term. Long after the ends of slavery and the Jim Crow era, the eight Black nominees in governor’s races this year are seeking to force change that has been slow in coming.

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is running in Georgia, spoke to the weight of her potential victory. “We’re a complicated, beautiful country,” she said, noting that she would become the first Black woman governor in the nation’s history if elected. “Just because it hasn’t happened, that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen real soon.” For Bottoms, the race is deeply personal, as she noted her ancestors were once enslaved in Georgia. The 56-year-old former Atlanta mayor, daughter of R&B singer Major Lance and Sylvia Robinson, has focused on her roots while addressing current issues like inflation and the economic climate. Grocery prices are continuing to rise.”. Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, is set to appear Wednesday night at a metro Atlanta rally with Obama. “I wake up as a Black woman every day, so it’s no surprise to me that I’m capable and I’m qualified and I’m able,” Bottoms said. “But if it’s representation for other people who may not have thought that it was possible, then it’s all worth it.”. “I’ve never felt the level of anxiety and sadness that I feel when I’m talking to people across the state,” Bottoms said. “But along with that, there’s hope and there’s optimism that we can turn the corner.”.

On the Republican side, candidates like Byron Donalds of Florida are emphasizing specific policy platforms to appeal to voters. During a recent interview, Donalds argued that Black voters should prioritize policies that improve their daily lives, suggesting such alignment is increasingly found within the Republican Party. His campaign has included efforts to engage with skeptical audiences, including a visit to Florida A&M, where he defended his record on immigration, the Second Amendment, and school choice vouchers. Donalds expressed a desire to “bring down the temperature” through difficult conversations. He acknowledged concerns of his own as he addressed supporters, yet at a campaign stop this week in Cedartown.

Despite the potential to reach historic milestones, many candidates have downplayed the symbolism of their runs, focusing instead on state-specific issues. High-profile figures like former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have campaigned for various Democratic nominees. During an event in Wisconsin, Harris highlighted the candidacy of David Crowley while also mentioning Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford’s opportunity to become the first Black governor of that state. The first Black president, and Kamala Harris, who in addition to breaking racial barriers, was the first female vice president and in 2024 fell short of becoming the first woman elected president, nor have two history-making Democrats who have campaigned with several of them: former President Barack Obama. The next day, Harris will also visit Georgia, underscoring the potential opportunity in a state where Democrats last elected a governor in 1998.

The Georgia race remains particularly intense, shadowed by the previous gubernatorial campaigns of Stacey Abrams in 2018 and 2022. Bottoms currently faces a significant financial disadvantage, with her GOP opponent, businessman Rick Jackson, spending heavily. Records show that since June 17, Jackson and his allies have outspent the Bottoms campaign by a margin of roughly $107.2 million to $28.1 million. Jackson has criticized Bottoms’ tenure as mayor of Atlanta, claiming her record makes her unsuitable for the governorship, while also warning that rural voter turnout will be critical for his success. “Everything is different with Trump 2.0,” Bottoms said. “We are now in the midst of a war that didn’t have to happen. Pro-Jackson advertising has dwarfed pro-Bottoms advertising, $271.5 million to $32.8 million, according to AdImpact data, since the beginning of the 2026 election cycle. Which has relentlessly attacked Bottoms on crime in Atlanta, that includes nearly $199 million from Jackson’s campaign. Thanks in part to hundreds of millions of dollars of his personal fortune, jackson has vastly outspent Bottoms in the race. Bringing its total to about $16 million, the Democratic Governors Association also made a late $5 million contribution. “Tell people it ain’t over until it’s over,” Bottoms said. “What we don’t want to have happen is have this record, extraordinary turnout and then we get overtaken at the end on Election Day.”.

Beyond Georgia, the list of Black gubernatorial nominees includes Republicans such as former Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Michigan Representative John James. As the candidates enter the final stretch, supporters like retired city worker Sue Ross view the moment as a pivotal opportunity. “It’s definitely the time,” Ross said. “We can take this state with our troubled history and move it into the future.” Jon Ossoff, who even Republicans acknowledge is likely to cruise to reelection.