Democrats flipped the Georgia governorship while Republicans retained Florida on Tuesday, delivering two of the biggest statehouse outcomes of the 2026 midterm elections.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history, while U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds became Florida’s first Black governor, according to the Associated Press.
The contests formed part of a wider set of projected gubernatorial winners across both parties. The results represent election-night calls, not final state certifications, and do not settle control of Congress.
Georgia: Democrats Flip Governorship After More Than Two Decades
Bottoms defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp. The victory ends Republican control of the Georgia governor’s office that began in 2003 and gives Democrats one net gubernatorial pickup. The AP confirmed the outcome in its November 3 election reporting.
Bottoms campaigned on expanding Medicaid, raising the minimum wage, and reversing Georgia’s six-week abortion restriction. Jackson emphasized tax reductions and his business experience. His campaign spent heavily from his personal fortune, according to AP coverage.
Florida: Donalds Wins Historic Republican Hold
Donalds defeated former Republican congressman turned Democrat David Jolly to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. The AP called the Republican victory, preserving GOP control of an office Democrats last won in 1994. Donalds is the first Black person elected governor of Florida.
Housing costs, homeowners insurance, and state spending became important issues in the contest. Florida’s Division of Elections publishes the underlying unofficial statewide returns, which remain subject to canvassing.
More Governor Races: Democratic And Republican Holds
Democratic Govs. Kathy Hochul of New York and Ned Lamont of Connecticut won reelection, while Democrat Phil Weiser won Colorado’s open governorship, succeeding term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. The AP separately called all three outcomes.
In Rhode Island, Democrat Helena Foulkes won the general election after defeating Democratic Gov. Dan McKee in the September primary. Republican Eric Barlow won Wyoming’s open governor race, keeping the statehouse in Republican hands.
Democratic Govs. Wes Moore of Maryland and Maura Healey of Massachusetts also won reelection. Each represents a Democratic hold, rather than a change in party control.
What The Results Mean
The Georgia flip stands apart from the other victories in this roundup because it transfers the governor’s office from one party to another. The Florida result preserves Republican control while marking a historic first for the state.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also won reelection, outcomes The Dallas Express previously covered in its election-night Senate and governor roundup. Those victories remain Democratic holds.
Additional governor races and congressional contests remained outstanding at this reporting cutoff. Decision-desk projections reflect an assessment of the remaining vote, while election authorities continue counting and later certify results.
Provided by Dallas Express
