The 2026 US midterm elections are set to produce several historic milestones, with candidates projected to break long-standing representation barriers in state and national politics.
According to projections by CNN’s Decision Desk, the elections will see the first Black woman elected governor, the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate and several other firsts across different states.
In Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is projected to become the first Black woman elected governor in US history. She will also be the state’s first Black governor and first female governor. Bottoms, who served as Atlanta mayor from 2018 to 2022, campaigned on expanding Medicaid coverage, providing homeowner tax relief and increasing education funding.
In New Hampshire, Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas is projected to become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate. His victory is also expected to help Democrats retain the Senate seat.
Florida Congressman Byron Donalds is projected to become the state’s first Black governor. His campaign focused on tax reforms, regulating data centres and supporting President Donald Trump’s agenda.
South Carolina is also set to make history, with Annie Andrews projected to become the first woman elected to represent the state in the US Senate. She defeated appointed Senator Darline Graham in a race that saw Democrats flip a seat held by Republicans for nearly three decades.
In Texas, Gina Hinojosa is projected to become the state’s first Hispanic governor after defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. Her victory would also make her the first Democrat elected governor of Texas since 1990 and only the third woman to hold the office.
Other historic congressional victories include Melat Kiros, who is projected to become the first Black woman elected to represent Colorado in Congress, and Adam Hamawy, who is set to become the first Muslim member of Congress from New Jersey.
In New York, Claire Valdez is projected to become the first Native American woman from the state elected to the US House of Representatives, following her victory in the 7th Congressional District.
Michigan is also set to have its first openly gay member of Congress, with Jeremy Moss projected to win the state’s 11th Congressional District.
In Ohio, physician Amy Acton is projected to become the first woman elected governor, while also ending the Democratic Party’s two-decade wait for a victory in the state’s gubernatorial race.
California is expected to make history with Xavier Becerra projected to become the first Latino elected governor of the state. Becerra, a former US Health and Human Services Secretary, is set to succeed Gavin Newsom.
The projected victories reflect a changing political landscape in the United States, with both parties set to welcome a diverse group of new leaders into state and national offices.
