US midterms deliver historic firsts for minority candidates
The 2026 US midterm elections produced historic firsts for minority candidates, with several Democrats breaking barriers to win major offices. These victories coincided with the Democratic Party reclaiming a majority in Congress. Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in US history, winning in Georgia. Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman to hold that office, while Peggy Flanagan entered the Senate as the first Native American senator from Minnesota. Abdul El-Sayed won a Senate seat in Michigan, potentially becoming the first Muslim senator, despite attacks from Donald Trump. Chris Pappas was elected as the first openly gay senator from New Hampshire. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the first Black Speaker of the House, with other firsts including a Black governor in Florida and a Hispanic governor in California.