Several races in the 2026 midterms could have significant implications for Black political representation and influence policies affecting Black communities.
From gubernatorial contests that could make history to congressional races shaped by redistricting, here’s a look at key races ahead of Election Day on Tuesday (November 3), and what’s at stake in each.
GOVERNOR’S RACES
Georgia: Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) vs. Rick Jackson (R)
Why To Watch
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms could become the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history. She has proposed expanding Medicaid, lowering prescription drug costs, and repealing Georgia’s abortion ban, according to her campaign’s health care plan.
Republican Rick Jackson, a health care executive, has called for cutting state income taxes and freezing property taxes, according to his campaign platform.
Georgia’s early voting ends Friday (October 30), though hours and locations vary by county.
Wisconsin: David Crowley (D) vs. Tom Tiffany (R)
Why To Watch
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley could become Wisconsin’s first Black governor. Crowley wants to expand BadgerCare, the state’s Medicaid program, to any household that wants to join, cap families’ out-of-pocket child care costs, and expand affordable housing, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has proposed a 10% income tax cut for families earning less than $150,000, a property tax freeze, and eliminating state taxes on tips and overtime, according to his campaign.
Wisconsin’s early in-person voting runs through November 1, though dates and hours vary by municipality.
Nevada: Aaron Ford (D) vs. Joe Lombardo (R)
Why To Watch
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford could become the state’s first Black governor if he defeats Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.
The candidates differ on workers’ rights, public education funding, and energy costs, issues that could shape the race as voters weigh their economic priorities.
Nevada’s early voting ends Friday (October 30).
Michigan: Jocelyn Benson (D) vs. John James (R)
Why To Watch
Republican U.S. Rep. John James could become Michigan’s first Black governor. James says he would opt Michigan into a Federal Education Tax Credit program that offers up to $1,700 in tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations.
Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has opposed joining without more transparency about how the program would work.
Michigan Public Radio Network reported that the disagreement centers on whether the program would help families access educational resources or divert support from public schools.
Michigan’s early voting period runs through Sunday (November 1).
South Carolina: Jermaine Johnson (D) vs. Alan Wilson (R)
Why To Watch
Democrat Jermaine Johnson could become South Carolina’s first Black governor. Johnson’s platform calls for lowering property taxes for working families, expanding the number of households exempt from state income taxes, and funding more rural hospitals.
Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson has pledged to eliminate the state income tax and reduce property taxes, arguing that tax cuts and government-efficiency measures would lower costs for families, according to his campaign website.
South Carolina’s early voting runs through Saturday (October 31), according to the State Election Commission.
SENATE RACES
Illinois: Juliana Stratton (D) vs. Don Tracy (R)
Why To Watch
Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton would become the sixth Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, and the second from Illinois, if she wins the seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin, according to WTTW.
Her campaign platform includes Medicare for All, a $25 federal minimum wage, and a middle-class tax cut funded by raising taxes on people earning more than $1 million annually.
Republican Don Tracy, a former Illinois Republican Party chair, has called for cutting government spending and lowering energy and prescription drug costs, according to CBS Chicago.
Illinois’ early voting ends Monday (November 2), according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Florida: Angie Nixon (D) vs. Ashley Moody (R)
Why To Watch
Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon could become Florida’s first Black U.S. senator if she defeats Republican Ashley Moody, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed to rill Marco Rubio’s seat. The winner will serve the final two years of Rubio’s term.
Nixon, who has made civil rights a focus of her campaign, opposes Republican redistricting efforts that could weaken Black voters’ political representation, the Miami Herald reported. Nixon’s platform also calls for expanding Medicaid and protecting abortion rights.
Moody has supported Florida’s restrictions on abortion and opposed expanding Medicaid, according to their public statements and voting records.
Florida’s early voting ends Saturday (October 31), according to the Florida Division of Elections.
Georgia: Jon Ossoff (D) vs. Mike Collins (R)
Why To Watch
Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is seeking reelection against Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins in a race that could help determine control of the Senate.
During an October debate, The Washington Post reported that Ossoff criticized Collins’ support for President Donald Trump’s tariffs, arguing they’re driving up costs, while Collins defended the tariffs as necessary for Georgia farmers.
The candidates also clashed over Trump’s tax law and its effects on health care, with Ossoff warning it would harm working families and Collins defending it.
Georgia’s early voting runs until Friday (October 30), according to the Georgia Secretary of State.
Michigan: Abdul El-Sayed (D) vs. Mike Rogers (R)
Why To Watch
Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris have backed Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, bringing national attention to his race against Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.
El-Sayed supports Medicare for All and has argued Democrats need a decisive midterm victory to counter President Donald Trump’s efforts to cast doubt on election results, according to NBC News.
Rogers opposes Medicare for All and has proposed requiring hospitals and insurers to disclose prices and insurance denial rates, according to The Stated Record. The race could help determine Senate control.
Michigan’s mandatory early voting ends Sunday (November 1), according to the Michigan Secretary of State.
HOUSE RACES
Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Shomari Figures (D) vs. Rhett Marques (R)
Why To Watch
Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures is defending his seat after Alabama’s congressional map was redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterms. The new district’s Black voting-age population fell from 48% to 40%, changing the electorate in a race that could affect both Black representation and control of the House, according to The Associated Press.
Alabama does not offer early in-person voting; Election Day is Tuesday (November 3), according to the Alabama Secretary of State.
North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District: Don Davis (D) vs. Laurie Buckhout (R)
Why To Watch
Republican-led redistricting has made Democratic Rep. Don Davis’ reelection bid more difficult by adding more Republican-leaning territory to his district. Spectrum News reported on the map changes ahead of Davis’ rematch against Republican Laurie Buckhout, who lost to him in 2024.
The race could determine whether Democrats gain ground in the House and highlights how redistricting can affect Black political representation.
North Carolina’s early voting period ends Saturday (October 31), according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Arkansas: Chris Jones (D) vs. French Hill (R)
Why To Watch
Democrat Chris Jones could become the first Black person to represent Arkansas in Congress as he challenges Republican and banking executive, Rep. French Hill, in the state’s 2nd Congressional District.
In an October 13 interview with CNN, Jones pointed to rising gas prices, financial pressures on farmers and veterans’ access to health care as concerns driving his campaign.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Jones in August, according to the Arkansas Times.
Early voting ends on Tuesday (November 2), according to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
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