America Has 4 Black Governors, Not 5 — Byron Donalds Doesn’t Count

Not one. Not two. Not three. But four. Well, technically it’s five — but not really.

On one of the most historic nights in American political history, arguably the most racist country on earth elected five Black governors. History books will write about it for ages, given that we are on the precipice of a power shift that will let future generations learn about the past again.

However, before I use this space to acknowledge the men and the woman who are the reason why so many of us are walking around with our heads raised a little bit higher and an extra pep in our steps, we must address the sellout in the room.

Byron Donalds is now the first Black governor in Florida history. Normally, we would be celebrating a Black achievement of this magnitude in a state with that kind of history. However, Donalds is a Republican. And when I say Republican, I mean he’s full MAGA. 

“I stand before a sea of conservative patriots who seek to take the reins of power from the progressive left,” Donalds declared all the way back in 2010. And despite reports that he had distanced himself from Trump as Election Day approached, the GOP’s favorite “house negro” took pride when the president announced rallies in Florida to help his cause. “Having the president come to Florida, give that little bit, that last, that jolt of energy to make sure people get out and vote. That’s important,” he declared.

This is what Kendrick Lamar meant when he said: “They not like us.”

Now, let’s get on to recognizing the ones who deserve our admiration.

In Maryland, Wes Moore won re-election as the incumbent gubernatorial candidate in a state that set the precedent for Georgia, as it will continue to have a Black person in the Governor’s Mansion and as the mayor of its largest city. “When our time is done, I want a Maryland where everyone has a shot to succeed, no matter where their story begins,” Moore said during his victory speech. “Four years ago, we started this journey together, y’all, and tonight the work continues for our people, for our state, for our country.” Moore won Tuesday night’s election with over 62 percent of the vote. It wasn’t close.

To add some context to the history we’re living through, the only elected Black governors have been Moore, Deval Patrick (Massachusetts’ governor in 2006), and Doug Wilder (Virginia’s governor in 1989). However, none of them had ever served simultaneously, according to a report from NBC News.

The Midwest and the Southwest also delivered additional surprises, as Black governors were elected for the first time in Wisconsin and Nevada. David Crowley defeated Trump ally Rep. Tom Tiffany, as the Milwaukee County executive picked up a huge win for Democrats in the battleground state. Aaron Ford bested Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo, giving Team Blue yet another win in yet another pivotal location on the map.

“The hatred for this man (Trump) is unprecedented. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said FOX News’ Sean Hannity when asked about Tuesday night’s results.

The political pundits on the right are so flabbergasted that some of them are even acting like we don’t have receipts for their past behavior.

“This is like Christmas, and a birthday, and the Easter bunny, and Halloween. This is the repudiation of Trumpism that people have been hoping for,” Van Jones dared to say on CNN’s airwaves.

Nah, “bruh.” Stay over there. You’ve been moving funny in the light for years.

And last, but most certainly not least. The night belonged to the one from Southwest Atlanta, who pledged Delta at a Black college (FAMU), and became the first Black woman to ever be elected governor in the history of the United States of America.

“I was recently asked if I always wanted to be the governor of Georgia, and the answer is no,” Bottoms said at a rally leading up to Election Night. “But I vividly recall those rare days when my grandmother didn’t ride the bus home from her job at Davison’s Department Store in Lenox Square Mall, and the excitement I had when my mother would pick her up from work. We’d leave our home on the west side of Atlanta early, so that we could take the long street way into Buckhead. And the most exciting part of that drive for me was passing the Governor’s Mansion. I remember looking at it as we drove by and saying, ‘I wanna go in there one day.’ What my six-year-old self didn’t know was that God was placing a calling in my heart that would take decades to fulfill. And if my wish at six years old had come true, I would have walked through those doors alone. But 50 years later, I will not just walk into the Governor’s Mansion, but the State Capitol as well. Bringing with me the hopes and dreams of little boys and girls all across Georgia.”

The former mayor of Atlanta not only overcame overt racism and sexism, but she defeated a wealthy opponent (Rick Jackson) who’d spent more than $100 million of his own money on his campaign. It was just added proof that voting for Bottoms was always more important than “liking” her.

The 2028 Presidential Election now serves as the next big test, and given the results and multitude of wins, the Democratic National Committee still came out looking like a bunch of idiots. In August, Atlanta was not selected as a finalist to host the 2028 DNC.

A governor named Keisha proved why that was such a huge mistake.

“The South got something to say!” — André Lauren Benjamin.

SEE ALSO:

Black Women Seize Historic Election Wins Across the US

Voting For Keisha Lance Bottoms Is More Important Than Liking Her