Election 2026 Black Governors

FILE - Gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford, attorney general of Nevada, speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination, June 9, 2026, in Las Vegas.

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Americans have only elected 3 Black governors. This year, 8 major party candidates are on the ballot

Americans have only elected 3 Black governors. This year, 8 major party candidates are on the ballot

Florida Republicans have settled on Byron Donalds, a congressman, as their candidate for governor, and that now makes eight Black major party nominees for governors this year. Maryland’s Wes Moore is the only Black governor now and he's seeking reelection in November. The Democrat is just the third elected Black governor in U.S. history. All have been Democrats and men. The November slate includes Democrats and Republicans, men and women. The nominees are promoting their experience and ideas for all constituents. But many say the possibility of expanded representation matters, given the nation’s history and the current environment surrounding issues of race and racism.