2022 Midterm Election Black Winners and Losers [Updated]

The Root takes a look at the results from important races from across the country.

Photo: Getty Images RONDA CHURCHILL/AFP

Updated as of 11/23/2022 at 9:19 am ET

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
5 Best Men’s and 5 Best Women’s Looks from the Met Gala 2025

The results of the 2022 midterm elections are still coming in, long after Americans across the country cast their votes. There are still some important races still to be determined, but The Root has highlighted some important races to keep an eye on.

Maryland Gubernatorial Race

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Wes Moore addresses supporters after defeating Republican nominee Dan Cox on November 08, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. Moore will become Moore and will make history as the state’s first Black governor. Photo: Getty Images Rob Carr

Democratic candidate Wes Moore beat Republican candidate Dan Cox to be Maryland’s next governor. Moore will be the first Black governor in Maryland’s history and the third Black elected governor in U.S. history.

Georgia Gubernational Race

Side by side of Brian Kemp and Stacey Abrams Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp won his re-election bid for a second term as Georgia’s governor in a 2018 rematch against Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams.

Florida Senate Race

Side by side of Val Demmings and Marco Rubio Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio secured his third term in the Senate, defeating Democratic nominee Rep. Val Demings.

Pennsylvania Senate Race

side by side of John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Democrat John Fetterman defeated Republican nominee, Dr. Mehmet Oz, for the Pennsylvania Senate seat late last night.

North Carolina Senate Race

side by side of Tedd Budd and Cheri Beasley Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Republican Rep. Ted Budd won the North Carolina Senate race defeating Democrat Cheri Beasley, the first Black woman to be the state’s Supreme Court chief justice.

Florida 10th Congressional District Race

Maxwell Frost, a Democratic candidate for Florida’s 10th Congressional district, participates in the Pride Parade in Orlando, Florida, on October 15, 2022. – Running in a Florida district generally won by his party, his path to the House of Representatives seems all mapped out during the mid-term elections in November Photo: Getty Images Giorgio VIERA / AFP

Democratic candidate Maxwell Frost won the House seat for Florida’s 10th Congressional district against Republican Calvin Wimbish. Frost will be the first Democratic member of Gen Z, and the first Afro-Cubano, to head to Congress.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Race

OAKS, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Lt. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Austin Davis arrives to deliver a victory speech with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Josh Shapiro to supporters at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on November 8, 2022, in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Shapiro defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano. Photo: Getty Images Mark Makela

Austin Davis won Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor race and will be the first African American to ever hold that position in the state.

New York Attorney General Race

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 08: New York Attorney General Letitia James makes an appearance after being the projected winner of her reelection campaign on November 8, 2022, in New York City. In her bid for re-election, Governor Hochul faces Republican challenger Lee Zeldin. Photo: Getty Images Alex Kent

New York Attorney General Letitia James won her re-election bid defeating Republican challenger Michael Henry in the general election.

Pennsylvania 12th Congressional District Race

PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 17: Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional candidate, state Rep. Summer Lee talks to the press outside her polling station at the Paulson Recreation Center after voting with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on May 17, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo: Getty Images Jeff Swensen

Democratic candidate Summer Lee is the projected winner of Pennsylvania’s Congressional District 12 race defeating Republican Mike Doyle. Lee will be the first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania

Kentucky Senate Race

side by side of Rand Paul and Charles Booker Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Republican incumbent Rand Paul is projected to win his third term as Kentucky Senator defeating Democratic challenger Charles Booker.

Wisconsin Senate Race

Side by side of Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Republican incumbent Ron Johnson defeated Democratic nominee Mandela Barnes in a very close election race for a Wisconsin Senate seat.

California Secretary of State Race

SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 03: California State Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) speaks during a news conference to announce new legislation to address recent deadly police shootings on April 3, 2018, in Sacramento, California Photo: Getty Images Justin Sullivan

Democrat Shirley Weber became California’s first elected Black secretary of state after beating Republican challenger Robert Bernosky.

Maryland Attorney General Race

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 17: U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD) (C) listens during a news conference on May 17, 2021, in Baltimore, Maryland. Members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation held a news conference to discuss the “Reconnecting Communities Act,” legislation to “reconnect and revitalize areas that were harmed by the construction of the Interstate Highway System” and “reform the long history of inequity in infrastructure.” Photo: Getty Images Alex Wong

Democratic U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown became the first Black attorney general in Maryland history when he defeated Republican Michael Peroutka.

Georgia Senate Race

Side by side of Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Neither Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) nor his Republican opponent Herschel Walker was able to hit the 50% threshold needed to win the Georgia Senate seat. They will head to a runoff election that will take place on Dec. 6th.

Massachusetts Attorney General Race

Andrea Campbell, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, at her primary election night event in Boston, Sept. 6, 2022. Photo: Getty Images Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Andrea J. Campbell became the first Black woman to be elected as Massachusetts Attorney General when she defeated Republican Jay McMahon.

Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Side by side of Karen Bass and Rick Caruso Photo: Getty Images Getty Images

Rep. Karen Bass became the first female mayor in Los Angeles’s history when she defeated businessman Rick Caruso.

Connecticut State Treasurer Race

Erick Russell Photo: COURTESY / ERICK RUSSELL FOR STATE TREASURER

Democrat Erick Russell defeated Republican Harry Arora to become Connecticut state Treasurer. With that win, Russell is the first Black LGBTQ candidate elected to statewide office.

Michigan 10th Congressional District Race

John James, Michigan GOP Senate candidate, speaks at an election night event after winning his primary election at his business James Group International August 7th, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. James, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, will face Democrat incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in November. ( Photo: Getty Images Bill Pugliano

John James will be the first Black Republican to represent Michigan after he defeated Democrat and former prosecutor Carl Marlinga for the 10th Congressional District House seat.

Michigan Supreme Court

Photo: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Courtesy of Kyra Harris Bolden’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed state Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden will be the first Black woman to serve on the state’s high court.

Texas State House Races

side by side of Venton Jones, Jolanda Jones and Christian “Manuel” Hayes Photo: Courtesy of the Venton Jones, Jolanda Jones and Christian “Manuel” Hayes Campaigns

The Texas legislature will have three Black LGBTQ+ representatives within the House. Jolanda Jones, who will be representing Houston, became the state’s first openly gay and Black state legislator when she won a special election in June. Christian “Manuel” Hayes and Venton Jones became the first two openly gay Black men elected to the Texas legislature during the midterms. They will be representing Beaumont and Dallas.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Lamar Odom’s Fall: From NBA Champ to Khloé Kardashian’s Heartbreak

Lamar Odom’s Fall: From NBA Champ to Khloé Kardashian’s Heartbreak

The complicated marriage between Lamar Odom and Khloé Kardshian is back in the spotlight thanks to a new documentary. Let’s take a look at their rocky history …
Inside the Unnecessary Renovations Trump Is Making to the White House

Inside the Unnecessary Renovations Trump Is Making to the White House

Here’s all of the changes Trump’s made to the White House in his second term, including his controversial ballroom construction …
Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Victor Glover will be the first Black American astronaut to reach the moon… And he’s the pilot! …
Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

‘Scary Movie’ star Regina Hall is opening up about a particularly interesting time in her life and what led to her almost becoming a nun! …
Why Black Folks Should Participant in the Black Census Project

Why Black Folks Should Participant in the Black Census Project

With four years until the national census, leaders are urging Black folks to make their voices heard after the third launch of the Black Census Project …
Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

The shift isn’t about skill. It’s about how the game is being taught …
Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Norwood is finally opening up about the relationship she shared with Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris. And the details are as eye-opening as you’d expect! …
White Influencer's Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model's Photo

White Influencer’s Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model’s Photo

You’ll never guess what Lauren Blake Boultier, a white influencer, blamed after she allegedly stole a Black model’s photo in a bizarre Photoshop fail …
Olandria's New Sports Illustrated Feature & Red Carpet Slayings Prove She's Here to Stay!

Olandria’s New Sports Illustrated Feature & Red Carpet Slayings Prove She’s Here to Stay!

Olandria Carthen may have gained fame from ‘Love Island,’ but she’s clearly here to stay for a long time. Let’s talk about it! …
Legal Defense Fund Head: Trump's Birthright Citizenship Challenge Is a Danger to Black Americans

Legal Defense Fund Head: Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Challenge Is a Danger to Black Americans

The Root spoke with the president of the Legal Defense Fund on what Black Americans should brace for ahead of the Supreme Court’s case on birthright citizenship …
New Study Links 'Everywhere Chemicals' Found in Plastics to 2 Million Premature Births

New Study Links ‘Everywhere Chemicals’ Found in Plastics to 2 Million Premature Births

In a study covering more than 200 countries, researchers traced two plastic-based chemicals to approximately 2 million early births and 74,000 infant deaths in 2018 alone …
Black NJ Congresswoman Speaks On Facing 17 Years in Prison for Visiting ICE Detainees

Black NJ Congresswoman Speaks On Facing 17 Years in Prison for Visiting ICE Detainees

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. LaMonica McIver, who is facing up to 17 years behind bars stemming from a legally protected visit to an ICE detention facility”, speaks to The Root …
Inside FKA Twigs, Shia LaBeouf's Relationship Drama

Inside FKA Twigs, Shia LaBeouf’s Relationship Drama

From the beginning of their relationship in 2018 to now, FKA twigs and Shia LaBeouf have been embroiled in a legal and public back and forth. Let’s dig into the latest! …
Amber Rose Wants White People to Be Able to Say the N-Word Without Consequence...Here's Why

Amber Rose Wants White People to Be Able to Say the N-Word Without Consequence…Here’s Why

Amber Rose says she allows her kids to curse because they have free speech, AND that white people should say the N-word…and the backlash was swift …
Why 'Paradise' Season Two Finale Has Fans So Shook!

Why ‘Paradise’ Season Two Finale Has Fans So Shook!

The season two finale of Sterling K. Brown’s ‘Paradise’ has folks all over social media talking—and for good reason. Let’s get into it! …
NBA Player Fired Over Anti-LGBTQ Pride Month Comments Sparks Free Speech Debate

NBA Player Fired Over Anti-LGBTQ Pride Month Comments Sparks Free Speech Debate

In a heated debate over religion vs. policy, the Chicago Bulls just waived Jaden Ivey for speaking out about the NBA’s pride nights …
Why Every Black American Must Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight This Week

Why Every Black American Must Watch the Birthright Citizenship Fight This Week

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on President Trump’s attempt to axe the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing citizenship for the descendants of slavery …
Tisha Campbell Explains Why She'll Always 'Protect' Martin Lawrence, But the Internet Has Questions

Tisha Campbell Explains Why She’ll Always ‘Protect’ Martin Lawrence, But the Internet Has Questions

Tisha Campbell may have more positive feelings for her former costar Martin Lawrence now, but some folks online aren’t buying it. Let’s get into why! …
House Democrat Seeks Reparations for Immigrants Impacted By Trump's Policies

House Democrat Seeks Reparations for Immigrants Impacted By Trump’s Policies

Rep. Pramila Jayapal calls for reparations for immigrant families tramatized by Trump’s mass deportation policy …
Black Virginia Family Finds Army Discharge Papers That Unlock a Mother's Secret WWII Legacy

Black Virginia Family Finds Army Discharge Papers That Unlock a Mother’s Secret WWII Legacy

Stacy Brown and her family had no idea that her mother was one of more than 800 women assigned to the only all-Black female battalion during World War II …