Eight Black Candidates Join Gubernatorial Races Across Party Lines
Eight Black politicians are on the ballot for governor this year, representing both major parties and a mix of men and women.
Only three Black individuals have ever been elected governor, all Democrats, with Wes Moore currently holding office in Maryland. This election cycle adds seven more Black nominees, spanning Republicans and Democrats, and including both men and women. Florida Republicans selected U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, while Nevada Democrats chose Attorney General Aaron Ford, and Minnesota Republicans nominated House speaker Lisa Demuth.
Additional candidates include John James in Michigan, Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, Jermaine Johnson in South Carolina, and David Crowley in Wisconsin. While most avoid centering their campaigns on race, they acknowledge the broader significance of diverse leadership amid ongoing debates over voting rights and representation. Former Governor David Paterson praised the cross-party slate as a step toward broader inclusion.
Why it matters
The unprecedented number of Black gubernatorial candidates could reshape policy focus and representation in state leadership.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Poll Shows Democrat Gray Narrowly Closing Gap with Rep. Luna in Florida Race
- Aug 14 Governor Ron DeSantis said he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills, who is under a House Ethics Committee probe and faces personal allegations, as the Florida congressional primary approaches.
- Aug 17 Donald Trump mailed his ballot for the Florida Republican primary, which includes contests for governor and U.S. Senate.
- Aug 18 New poll shows Casey Askar holding a slim lead among multiple candidates in the 22nd District Republican primary.
- Aug 18 Florida's primary elections feature a historic Black Republican gubernatorial candidate and a crowded Democratic field, while both parties gauge Donald Trump's influence in the state.
- Aug 18 The poll also recorded Terri Hasdorff, Michael Thompson and Richard Evans receiving low single‑digit support.
- Aug 18 The primary has taken place, confirming Donalds’s lead and adding a high‑profile celebrity endorsement.
- Aug 18 Byron Donalds announced his run for governor, triggering a crowded primary for his congressional seat.
- Aug 18 A new poll shows Ryan Elijah leading Cory Mills in the GOP primary.
- Aug 18 The administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the legal challenges to the mail‑in ballot order.
- Aug 19 Socialist state Rep. Angie Nixon beat Alex Vindman in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November.
- Aug 19 Nixon's primary victory sets up a general‑election contest against Republican Senator Ashley Moody.
- Aug 19 Trump publicly asked Cory Mills to drop out of the race and gave his full endorsement to Ryan Elijah.
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