The results are still rolling in on the 2026 midterm elections. But the overall contours of what just happened are already obvious: A historic Democratic victory, and a historic setback for what is now the lame-duck presidency of Donald Trump.
A look at some of the big winners and losers that tell the tale.
Winners
A supporter takes a selfie as Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks at an election night party in Atlanta on Tuesday.Black political power: Before Tuesday, only three Black governors had ever been elected. Next year, we’ll have five serving at the same time. That’s after wins by Florida GOP Gov.-elect Byron Donalds, Wisconsin Democratic Gov.-elect David Crowley, Nevada Democratic Gov.-elect Aaron Ford and Georgia Democratic Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, who will be the first Black female governor ever. Also, Democrats won in the South due in large part to a surge of Black voters. And if a Black Democrat — Scott Colom — can beat Mississippi GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in a Trump +23 state with its fair share of history with race issues, it will be perhaps the biggest statement of all.
