Voters in nine states elected governors who will break new ground in their states and, in several cases, across the country. The victories include the first Black woman elected governor nationwide, the first Native American woman governor and the first elected Latino governors of California and Texas.
In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson to become the first Black woman elected governor of any state. The 56-year-old previously served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022 and later advised former President Joe Biden. Her win also gives Democrats their first gubernatorial victory in Georgia in more than two decades.
New Mexico Democrat Deb Haaland, who is of Pueblo Indian descent, will become the first Native American woman governor after defeating Republican Gregg Hull. Before the race, Haaland served in Congress and as interior secretary in the Biden administration. She was also among the first Native American women elected to Congress and the first Native American cabinet secretary.
California Democrat Xavier Becerra will be the state’s first elected Latino governor, succeeding Gavin Newsom after defeating Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra previously served as California Attorney General, a member of Congress and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services. In Texas, state representative Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Greg Abbott to become the state’s first Latina governor and its first Democratic governor in more than 30 years.
Florida and Wisconsin also elected their first Black governors. Republican Byron Donalds won in Florida after campaigning on affordability and pledging to continue the conservative policies of outgoing governor Ron DeSantis. Donalds, who had President Trump’s backing, has served in Congress since 2021 and previously spent two terms in the state legislature. In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Crowley campaigned on his record as a dealmaker able to work across party lines.
Three other states elected women who will make history. Republican Marsha Blackburn became Tennessee’s first woman governor, defeating Democrat Jerri Green and independent candidates. In Minnesota, Democrat Amy Klobuchar defeated state House Speaker Lisa Demuth to become the state’s first woman governor when she takes office in January.
In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton is poised to become the first woman elected governor and the state’s first Jewish governor. Her victory over Republican Vivek Ramaswamy would also return a Democrat to the office for the first time in two decades. Acton previously served as Ohio’s chief public health officer during the pandemic.
Sources: NPR Politics.