by Sidnee Michelle
November 6, 2026
HBCU Alumni Make History With Major Wins In 2026 Midterm Elections
Lance Bottoms was among several candidates with HBCU ties who secured victories in gubernatorial, congressional, and local elections.
Graduates of historically Black colleges and universities secured historic victories in the 2026 midterm elections, including the nation’s first Black woman elected governor, as HBCU alums won key races nationwide, Capital B News reports.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Florida A&M University graduate, became the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history after winning Georgia’s gubernatorial race on Nov. 3. The Democrat, who earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, campaigned on expanding Medicaid, increasing affordable housing, and protecting voting rights.
According to the outlet, Lance Bottoms was among several candidates with HBCU ties who won gubernatorial, congressional, and local elections.
In Florida, Republican Byron Donalds became the state’s first Black governor. Donalds also attended Florida A&M before transferring to Florida State University, where he earned his degree. His campaign focused on affordabil...