9 governors elected in historic Tuesday vote

Voters in nine states selected new governors on Tuesday, producing a slate of firsts for American statehouses. The results include the election of the first Black woman, the first Native American woman, and the first Latino governor of California. These nine officials will take office in January 2027, reshaping the leadership of their states.

In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson. The 56-year-old former Atlanta mayor becomes the first Black woman elected governor in the country. She also becomes the first Democrat to win the race in the state in more than 20 years. Bottoms previously served as an adviser to former President Joe Biden.

Deb Haaland wins the race in New Mexico, defeating Republican Gregg Hull. The Democrat, who is of Pueblo Indian descent, becomes the first Native American woman to hold the office. She previously served in Congress and as Interior secretary under President Biden, making history in both roles. Her victory follows a trend of increased representation for Native Americans in high-level political offices.

Latino candidates also made history in two major states. Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton in California, becoming the first elected Latino governor of the state. He will succeed Gavin Newsom. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Hinojosa becomes the first Latina governor of Texas and the first Democrat to win the office in over 30 years. The win follows a demographic shift in the state with a surge in Latino residents.

Florida and Wisconsin elected their first Black governors. In Florida, Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly. Donalds, who has served in Congress since 2021, campaigned on affordability. He promised to continue the conservative policies of outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis and received the backing of President Trump. In Wisconsin, Democrat David Crowley defeated Republican Tom Tiffany. Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, suspended his campaign during the primary before reentering with support from outgoing Gov. Tony Evers.

Women candidates secured historic wins in three additional states. Marsha Blackburn becomes the first woman elected governor of Tennessee, defeating Democrat Jerri Green. Her campaign focused on immigration and spending. Amy Klobuchar becomes the first woman governor of Minnesota after defeating Republican Lisa Demuth. In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Acton becomes the first woman and the first Jewish person elected governor of Ohio. She served as the state's chief public health officer during the pandemic.