Democrats notch historic governor wins in Texas, Georgia, Ohio amid midterm surge

Democrats achieved historic gubernatorial victories in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, and Wisconsin during the November 2026 midterm elections. Gina Hinojosa became the first Latina governor of Texas, defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott. Keisha Lance Bottoms won in Georgia, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the US. Deb Haaland became the first female Native American governor in New Mexico. The wins reflect voter concerns over President Trump's unpopularity and the cost of living.

Democrats achieved historic gains in governor races across the United States in the November 2026 midterm elections, winning in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, and Wisconsin, according to US media projections. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott, becoming the first Latina governor in the state's history and the first Democrat elected governor there since 1990. In Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms beat Republican Rick Jackson, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the US. In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton, a physician, defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. In Iowa, State Auditor Rob Sand won the open governor's race. In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated Republican Tom Tiffany. A total of three dozen governor races were on the ballot, with President Donald Trump's unpopularity and the cost of living as top voter concerns. If Democrats net at least two seats, they will lead a majority of states for the first time since 2010.