2026 midterms deliver historic firsts for minority candidates
The 2026 US midterm elections produced historic firsts for minority candidates, with Democrats breaking the Republican majority and multiple glass ceilings. Key wins include a Black female governor, a Muslim senator, and an openly gay senator. Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history, winning Georgia. Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman governor in New Mexico, while Peggy Flanagan entered the Senate as the first Native American senator from Minnesota. Abdul El-Sayed won in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim senator, despite attacks from Donald Trump. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire became the first openly gay senator. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the first Black Speaker of the House.