The votes are in on a series of closely watched races, and the results delivered historic firsts across the country. From the governor’s offices to the U.S. Senate, voters elected leaders who are breaking barriers that have stood for generations.
Here are some of the victories called in the November 3, 2026 midterm elections — and why they matter.
Keisha Lance Bottoms makes history in Georgia
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won Georgia’s governor’s race, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in United States history. She will also be Georgia’s first governor of color. The former Atlanta mayor’s victory ends a long-standing barrier in the state’s highest office.
Deb Haaland becomes the first Native American woman governor
In New Mexico, Democrat Deb Haaland was declared the winner, making her the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history. A citizen of the Laguna Pueblo, Haaland previously served as U.S. secretary of the Interior and was one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018.
Peggy Flanagan wins a historic Senate seat
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, won her U.S. Senate race. She becomes the first Native American woman elected to the Senate — another milestone in the representation of Indigenous communities in federal government.
Chris Pappas makes history in New Hampshire
Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race, becoming the first openly gay man elected to the Senate. His victory adds another historic milestone to this election cycle.
Florida and Wisconsin elect their first Black governors
Republican Byron Donalds won Florida’s governor’s race, becoming the state’s first Black governor and the first Black Republican elected governor in the nation. In Wisconsin, Democrat David Crowley won the governor’s race, becoming the state’s first Black governor. Their victories mark significant firsts in two states.
Texas and California make history, too
Texas voters elected Democrat Gina Hinojosa governor, making her the state’s first Latina governor. In California, Democrat Xavier Becerra won the governor’s race, becoming the state’s first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco in 1875.
Juliana Stratton adds another milestone in the Senate
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won her U.S. Senate race. Alongside Sen. Tammy Duckworth, her victory means Illinois will be represented by two women of color in the Senate. Stratton’s win also means three Black women will serve in the chamber.
Why these wins matter: These are more than election-night headlines. They are changes in who gets to hold the highest offices, shape policy, and represent communities at the state and national levels. The voters have made their decisions, and the next chapter of American leadership is taking shape.
Results in this report reflect races called by The Associated Press as of November 4, 2026. Election calls are not the same as final state certification.
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