Black women are leading Georgia politics, from the governor’s mansion to Congress

Keisha Lance Bottoms, Penny Brown Reynolds, Tanya Miller and several other Black women are celebrating major victories in Georgia’s 2026 midterms

The 2026 Midterm election results are unveiling major wins for Black women in Georgia. As Keisha Lance Bottoms makes history as the country’s first Black female governor, the state is celebrating notable Democratic wins. In addition to Bottoms, attorney and former Fulton County judge Penny Brown Reynolds has been elected as Georgia’s secretary of state, and Representative and former prosecutor Tanya Miller will now serve as the state’s Attorney General. 

“Tonight should remind us all that no matter what community we come from, Georgia is not defined by one moment in time or by one person,” Bottoms said in her victory speech. “It’s been defined by all of us, and I will be a governor for everyone in this state. Georgia, we sent a message loud and clear.  That we want a leader who will put Georgia first and who will stand up to all the chaos coming out of Washington, D.C. But even more importantly, you sent the message that in these times of division and acrimony, you believe in something foundational, and that is hope.” 

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Similarly, at the local level, the state has elected Dr. Lydia Powell as its superintendent of schools. And as Democrats celebrate winning the majority in the House of Representatives, several Black women in Georgia are celebrating wins on the congressional level. Jasmine Clark, Nikema Williams, and Lucy McBath have been elected to represent Georgia’s 13th, 5th, and 6th districts in the House of Representatives. 

“For 250 years, Black women have helped build this democracy while being denied our rightful place in its leadership,” Nadine Smith, President and CEO of Color Of Change, said in a statement shared with theGrio. “This victory belongs to generations of Black women who registered our neighbors, organized our churches, mobilized our families, and refused to surrender our political power, even when the doors to power remained closed to us. And it carries a message that reaches far beyond Georgia: No billionaire can buy what organized people are determined to build.” 

These are only some of the many historic wins for Black candidates in this year’s midterm elections. Stay tuned to theGrio’s coverage for more.