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Americans have elected only 3 Black governors. This year, 8 major party candidates are on the ballot
🇺🇸 United States /Elections & Politics

Americans have elected only 3 Black governors. This year, 8 major party candidates are on the ballot

From PBS NewsHour · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Eight Black major party candidates are running for governor in November, a significant increase from the three Black governors elected in U.S. history.
  • The candidates, including Democrats and Republicans, emphasize their experience and policy proposals rather than their race.
  • This historic slate of candidates emerges amid ongoing national conversations about representation and the lingering effects of historical injustices.

In a historic election year, eight Black candidates are running for governor across the United States, a stark contrast to the three Black governors elected in the nation's 250-year history. This surge includes both Democrats and Republicans, with figures like U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, recently nominated by Florida Republicans, joining the ranks.

We do have a unique moment here.

— Wes MooreMaryland Gov. Wes Moore, who recently became chair of the National Governors Association, commented on the historic number of Black gubernatorial candidates.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who chairs the National Governors Association, acknowledges the significance of this moment. He views his own historic status not as a cause for applause, but as a reflection of the country's ongoing struggle to overcome historical injustices. The Black nominees themselves often steer clear of focusing on the historical implications, preferring to highlight their qualifications and policy platforms. Donalds, for instance, stated after his victory speech, "Florida is a great meritocracy in America," choosing not to mention his race.

Florida is a great meritocracy in America. I'll let you guys write about that.

— Byron DonaldsFlorida Republican nominee Byron Donalds spoke to reporters after his victory speech, emphasizing his focus on meritocracy over his race.

However, many recognize the importance of this increased representation, given the nation's history of slavery and Jim Crow laws. Aaron Ford, Nevada's first Black attorney general and now a gubernatorial nominee, believes his background brings a crucial focus to issues like voting rights, civil rights, and the economy. Similarly, Lisa Demuth, Minnesota's first Black House speaker and a Republican nominee, while not emphasizing identity politics, acknowledges the historic nature of the current political landscape.

It's not a secret that some issues in the African American community get ignored and don't have a voice.

— Aaron FordNevada's first Black attorney general and now the Democratic nominee for governor, Aaron Ford, discussed the importance of representation.

The slate of candidates crosses party lines, a point celebrated by former New York Gov. David Paterson. Democrats, meanwhile, underscore the importance of their Black candidates, including Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, Jermaine Johnson in South Carolina, and David Crowley in Wisconsin, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court decisions on redistricting and ongoing national debates about diversity and historical narratives.

But I recognize the historic state we are in right now.

— Lisa DemuthMinnesota's first Black House speaker and Republican nominee for governor, Lisa Demuth, acknowledged the historic nature of the current election cycle.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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