Washington: African American candidates have made history in the 2026 US midterm elections, with Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms becoming the first Black woman elected governor of a US state, while Republican Byron Donalds is set to become Florida's first Black governor.
Voters across the country are deciding control of the US House of Representatives and Senate in the midterm elections, with several closely watched contests shaping the battle for congressional power.
According to CBS News projections, Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia's gubernatorial race, becoming the state's first woman governor, its first Black governor and the first Black woman to serve as governor of any US state.
With 75 per cent of the votes counted, Bottoms secured 1,833,374 votes, accounting for 55.4 per cent of the total, while Jackson received 1,478,243 votes, or 44.6 per cent. Jackson had received an endorsement from US President Donald Trump.
Bottoms, who previously served in the Biden administration, also ended a long electoral drought for Democrats in the state's gubernatorial contests, marking their first victory since 1998.
Her victory drew emotional celebrations among supporters. Conqula Milner, 54, who attended Bottoms' election night party, said she was grateful that Georgia had elected its first woman governor.
"I want to cry. I'm very grateful and excited that we finally got the first female governor," Milner said.
A veteran who works at the VA hospital in Atlanta, Milner expressed confidence that Bottoms would do a lot to help former service members.
Paula Sanders, 69, a retired school counsellor, also welcomed the result, saying she supported Bottoms because she agreed with her plans to improve life for Georgians.
"This is a real history-making moment. So proud of Georgia!" she said.
Meanwhile, Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in Florida's gubernatorial race, becoming the state's first African American governor, according to CBS News projections.
With 98 per cent of the votes counted, Donalds secured 4,091,479 votes, representing 50.1 per cent, while Jolly received 3,973,714 votes, or 48.6 per cent.
Donalds' victory marks another milestone in US political history, as he is set to become the first African American Republican elected governor in the country's history. The three African American governors elected before him were all Democrats.
His victory also extends Republican control of Florida's governor's office following eight years under outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis, who was barred from seeking a third consecutive term.
Celebrating his victory, Donalds sent a message to Trump, declaring, "Mr President, I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red."
He revealed that Trump was the second person to call him after his victory and thanked the President for supporting him throughout the campaign.
Donalds also praised DeSantis for his leadership over the past eight years, saying he intended to build on his legacy and maintain Florida's position.
In a post on X, he thanked voters and outlined his priorities, including making life more affordable, keeping streets safe and investing in young people.
The gubernatorial victories came alongside significant developments in the congressional elections.
Democrat Roy Cooper won North Carolina's Senate race, marking the first Democratic pickup of the night, while Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff secured re-election in Georgia, another key battleground.
Republicans fell short in their attempt to pick up a Senate seat in New Hampshire, while Democrats were unsuccessful in Florida.
Democrats need a net gain of three additional seats to take control of the Senate. Closely watched contests in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas are expected to play a crucial role in determining the chamber's balance of power.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats have flipped three seats. If they retain all the districts they currently represent, those gains would be enough to secure a majority. Republicans, meanwhile, are expected to pick up some Democratic-held seats in states that redrew their congressional district boundaries.
The battle for control of Congress is unfolding largely in areas Trump previously won by wide margins. However, rising living costs have emerged as a major concern among voters.
According to The Associated Press Voter Poll, most voters blame the Trump administration for the high costs and want Congress to exercise greater checks on the President.