The 2026 US midterm elections saw a number of firsts, with candidates from minority and underrepresented groups elected to office. From the first Black governor in a state to the first openly gay person in the US Senate, here are some of the firsts. (Images: AP)
Bottoms is projected to become the first Black governor of Georgia, the first female governor of Georgia and the first female Black governor in US history
Becerra is set to become the first elected Latino governor of California
Donalds is projected to become the first Black governor of Florida
Hinojosa is projected to become the first Hispanic governor of Texas
Acton is set to become the first Democrat to win Ohio’s governorship since 2006 and the first woman ever elected to the office
El-Sayed has become the first Muslim person elected to the US Senate
Pappas will become the first openly gay male senator in US history with his win in New Hampshire
Andrews is projected to become the first elected female US senator from South Carolina