The 2026 US elections are set to mark a series of historic milestones, with candidates from diverse backgrounds projected to break long-standing political barriers at both state and national levels.
Among the projected winners are the first Black woman governor in US history, the first openly gay male US senator and the first Black governor of Florida. Other victories are expected to bring greater representation of women, Hispanic Americans, Muslims and Native Americans into elected office.
The historic outcomes come as President Donald Trump enters the second half of his second term, with both Democrats and Republicans preparing to welcome a new generation of political leaders.
KESIHA LANCE BOTTOMS SET TO MAKE HISTORY IN GEORGIA
Keisha Lance Bottoms is projected to become the first Black governor of Georgia, the first woman to lead the state and the first Black woman elected governor in US history.
Bottoms, who served as Atlanta mayor between 2018 and 2022, previously emerged as one of the women considered by former President Joe Biden as a potential running mate in the 2020 presidential election. She later joined his administration.
She defeated Trump-endorsed Republican candidate Rick Jackson after running on a platform focused on expanding Medicaid coverage, providing property tax relief to homeowners and increasing education funding.
CHRIS PAPPAS TO BECOME FIRST OPENLY GAY MALE US SENATOR
Democrat Chris Pappas is projected to make history as the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate following his victory in New Hampshire's Senate race.
His win is significant for Democrats, who have managed to retain a crucial seat that Republicans had identified as one of their strongest opportunities to gain ground.
Pappas, a four-term congressman representing southeastern New Hampshire, will bring another milestone in LGBTQ representation to the upper chamber of Congress.
BRYON DONALDS SET TO BECOME FLORIDA'S FIRST BLACK GOVERNOR
Republican Byron Donalds is projected to become Florida's first Black governor, marking a major milestone in the state's political history.
Donalds campaigned on tax reforms, regulation of data centres and support for Trump's political agenda. His campaign received an early boost from a strong endorsement by the president.
His election would bring the number of serving Black governors in the United States to three, alongside Georgia's Keisha Lance Bottoms and Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who is also projected to win re-election.
ANNIE ANDREWS MAKES HISTORY IN SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to become the first woman elected to represent South Carolina in the US Senate after defeating appointed Senator Darline Graham.
The victory also marks a major political shift in a state that Republicans have held for nearly three decades. Graham was appointed to the seat following the death of her brother, former Senator Lindsey Graham, in July, with Trump playing a key role in backing her appointment.
During the campaign, Andrews presented herself as an independent-minded moderate, focusing on affordability, quality of life and tackling corruption.
Graham, meanwhile, sought to position herself as a conservative alternative, aligning herself closely with Trump's political agenda.
GINA HINJOSA SET TO BECOME TEXAS' FIRST HISPANIC GOVERNOR
Gina Hinojosa is projected to become the first Hispanic governor of Texas after defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, who has served in the position for nearly 12 years.
The contest featured sharp disagreements over social and cultural issues, including abortion, with both candidates presenting contrasting visions for the state.
Hinojosa, a 52-year-old attorney and state lawmaker, is also expected to end the Republicans' long-standing hold on the governor's office.
Her victory would make her the first Democrat elected governor of Texas since Ann Richards in 1990 and only the third woman to hold the position.
MELAT KIROS TO BECOME COLORADO'S FIRST BLACK CONGRESSWOMAN
Melat Kiros is projected to make history as the first Black woman elected to represent Colorado in the US House of Representatives.
The 29-year-old lawyer and democratic socialist won the state's 1st Congressional District, positioning herself among the youngest members of the incoming Congress.
Her election also reflects the growing influence of younger progressive candidates within the Democratic Party, particularly those advocating for changes in economic and social policy.
ADAM HAMAWY MAKES HISTORY AS NEW JERSEY'S FIRST MUSLIM CONGRESSMAN
Adam Hamawy is projected to become the first Muslim member of Congress from New Jersey after winning the state's 12th Congressional District.
Hamawy, a retired US Army combat surgeon, is associated with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel.
His political platform includes support for Medicare for All and proposals to cancel medical and student loan debt.
His election marks another milestone in efforts to increase religious and cultural diversity in the US Congress.
CLAIRE VALDEZ TO BECOME NEW YORK'S FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN CONGRESSWOMAN
Claire Valdez is projected to become the first Native American woman elected to Congress from New York after winning the state's 7th Congressional District.
Valdez, a one-term state assemblywoman, is affiliated with the Democratic Party's progressive wing.
Her campaign received support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose growing political influence has helped boost progressive candidates in the state.
Her victory adds to the growing representation of historically underrepresented communities in the US legislature.
JEREMY MOSS TO BECOME MICHIGAN'S FIRST OPENLY GAY CONGRESSMAN
Jeremy Moss is projected to become the first openly gay member of Congress from Michigan following his victory in the state's 11th Congressional District.
Moss, a former state senator, will take over a seat left vacant by Representative Haley Stevens, who stepped down to pursue a Senate bid but lost in the Democratic primary.
His election represents another significant step in LGBTQ representation in the US House of Representatives.
AMAY ACTON BECOMES OHIO'S FIRST ELECTED FEMALE GOVERNOR
Democrat Amy Acton is projected to become the first woman elected governor of Ohio after defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a closely watched gubernatorial contest.
Acton, a physician who previously served as Ohio's health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, campaigned on affordability, healthcare access and economic concerns affecting residents.
Her campaign also proposed property tax reductions targeting middle-income and older homeowners, alongside a moratorium on new data centres unless operators could cover their own utility costs.
Her victory is another significant breakthrough for Democrats, making her the first Democrat elected governor of Ohio since 2006.
XAVIER BECERRA MAKES HISTORY AS CALIFORNIA'S FIRST LATINO GOVERNOR
Democrat Xavier Becerra is projected to become California's first elected Latino governor, securing his party's control of the country's most populous state.
Becerra, a former congressman, California attorney general and US Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President Joe Biden, emerged victorious from a competitive primary before facing Republican Steve Hilton in the general election.
He campaigned against the backdrop of California's strong Democratic support, repeatedly linking his opponent to Trump's administration and urging voters to reject the president's political agenda.
His projected victory marks another milestone in the growing representation of Hispanic Americans in senior political leadership across the United States.
