Historic firsts from the 2026 midterm elections

Democrats swept the 2026 midterm elections, securing historic wins in long-held Republican states. Four states elected their first Black governors, and four elected their first women governors, marking a wave of unprecedented firsts. Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history, while Byron Donalds became the first Black Republican governor. Abdul El-Sayed was elected the Senate's first Muslim member, and Chris Pappas its first openly gay man. Five Black governors will serve simultaneously for the first time, and at least 17 women will serve as governors. Races in Alaska and Mississippi remain undecided.