How these candidates made history in the 2026 midterm elections
Governors poised for firsts
ABC News projects that Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms will become Georgia’s next governor, defeating billionaire Rick Jackson. Georgia has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998; Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is term-limited.
In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa is projected to become the state’s first Hispanic governor. She served in the Texas state House and campaigned on education reform while criticizing Gov. Greg Abbott over AI data centers.
New Mexico and Ohio milestones
In Ohio, Acton is set to become the first woman elected governor and the state’s first Jewish governor. The article says an ad by the Ramaswamy campaign involving Acton’s estranged mother drew major backlash and increased support and visibility for Acton.
Senate race and wider stakes
ABC News projects that U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas will win New Hampshire’s Senate race, becoming the first openly gay senator. He is projected to defeat former Sen. John Sununu, a Republican backed by President Donald Trump.
The midterm contests will also shape the balance of power in Congress. The article’s opening line says Democrats are projected to take control of the Senate and House, while describing the races as high-stakes.
Key points
- Keisha Lance Bottoms is projected to become Georgia’s next governor.
- Gina Hinojosa is projected to become Texas’ first Hispanic governor.
- Deb Haaland and Ohio’s Acton are associated with historic gubernatorial firsts.
- Chris Pappas is projected to become the first openly gay senator.