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
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

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

Step Into The World of 'Sinners' In This New Warner Bros. Studio Tour Exhibit

Step Into The World of ‘Sinners’ In This New Warner Bros. Studio Tour Exhibit

Warner Bros. Studios has now it possible for fans to take a closer look at all the magic of ‘Sinners’ in this new installment! Let’s take a look! …
The Story of 10 Black Models Becoming Legends at the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show in the 1970s

The Story of 10 Black Models Becoming Legends at the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show in the 1970s

In November 1973, 10 Black models helped put American fashion on the map in an epic runway face-off with well-known French designers. In honor of the start of New York Fashion Week, here’s their story! …
How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow 'Good'

How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow ‘Good’

Fresh off her Super Bowl halftime show cameo, rapper Cardi B has some exciting news for fans of her luscious locs …
Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer Threatens to ‘Kill’ Black Teen in Viral Clip

Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer Threatens to ‘Kill’ Black Teen in Viral Clip

A traffic stop took a shocking turn when a Indianapolis police officer threatened to kill 17-year-old Trevion Taylor …
This New Wave of Black Artists is Fusing Christianity With Rap, R&B and AfroBeats

This New Wave of Black Artists is Fusing Christianity With Rap, R&B and AfroBeats

From Lecrae to Limoblaze, these Christian artists are redefining gospel music and introducing a new generation to the genre one track at a time …
Everything You Need to Know About Black Ski Weekend

Everything You Need to Know About Black Ski Weekend

Amid the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Black Ski Weekend is alive and thriving, celebrating community, culture and pure joy on the slopes. Here’s what you should know about this historic tradition …
The Latest Rihanna Spotting is In the <i>Last</i> Place You'd Suspect

The Latest Rihanna Spotting is In the Last Place You’d Suspect

Rihanna was recently spotted at an LA grocery store. But while some were watching what was in her cart, we zoomed in on what was on her left hand …
You'll Never Guess What Happened After Deion Sanders Tried to Hook Up Marsai Martin With His Son

You’ll Never Guess What Happened After Deion Sanders Tried to Hook Up Marsai Martin With His Son

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders knows a good opportunity when he sees it, but this particular one with Marsai Martin and his sons may not have gone the way he thought! …
A Complete Timeline of ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss’ Divorce From Todd Tucker

A Complete Timeline of ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss’ Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce between Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker is starting to get a bit more testy. Let’s take a look at how they got to this unfortunate position in the first place …
Black Democrat Grills ICE Director on His Faith in God During Hearing -- Here's What Happened Next

Black Democrat Grills ICE Director on His Faith in God During Hearing — Here’s What Happened Next

Rep. LaMonica McIver’s callout of ICE Director Todd Lyons is going viral after she questioned his dedication to his religion …
Underground Railroad Safe House Found Inside Historical NYC Mansion

Underground Railroad Safe House Found Inside Historical NYC Mansion

While the NYC Merchant House is famous for its grandiose nature, the truth lying underneath the ground floor is a more humbling representation of Black American history …
What Happened After an Atlanta Teen Was Shot in Her Own Home Minutes Before Her 18th Birthday

What Happened After an Atlanta Teen Was Shot in Her Own Home Minutes Before Her 18th Birthday

Raven Brown of Atlanta had just ended her Instagram livestream counting down to her 18th birthday with friends before she was shot in her bedroom …
FAMU President Issues Comment After Student Claims Flyer for ‘Black’ Event Was Rejected

FAMU President Issues Comment After Student Claims Flyer for ‘Black’ Event Was Rejected

An HBCU student is raising alarm after she was prevented from using the word “Black” in flyers for a Black History Month celebration …
Ketanji Brown Jackson Breaks Her Silence Over GOP Dragging Her For Attending Grammys

Ketanji Brown Jackson Breaks Her Silence Over GOP Dragging Her For Attending Grammys

This marks the second time conservatives have raised concerns over Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appreciation of the arts …
Jaafar Jackson Opens Up About Playing His Uncle in New Michael Jackson Biopic

Jaafar Jackson Opens Up About Playing His Uncle in New Michael Jackson Biopic

The late Michael Jackson’s very own nephew Jaafar Jackson speaks out about embodying him in the upcoming, highly-anticipated biopic ‘Michael.’ …
GloRilla's Parents Finally Speak Out Amid Sibling Drama, But It's Not What You Think

GloRilla’s Parents Finally Speak Out Amid Sibling Drama, But It’s Not What You Think

As rapper GloRilla and her sister continue to hash out their issues on social media, their parents are finally breaking their silence. But the picture isn’t that much clearer! …
Our Ancestors Fought With Love. Now It's Our Turn.

Our Ancestors Fought With Love. Now It’s Our Turn.

Let this sink in. Trump recently told pastors and priests that if they speak against him, he will punish our churches. He will use the government to silence the pulpit …
Exclusive: Rev. A.R. Bernard on Becoming NYPD's Chaplain During Trying Times

Exclusive: Rev. A.R. Bernard on Becoming NYPD’s Chaplain During Trying Times

Rev. A.R. Bernard, Brooklyn Pastor and Influential Faith Leader, Speaks on His New Role as NYPD Chaplain …
Black American Spies and Why They Were The Best

Black American Spies and Why They Were The Best

Black spies used their invisibility in plain sight to carry out some of the nation’s most important war efforts …
How Dave Chappelle Created His Own Liberal Town  in a Sea of Trump Supporters

How Dave Chappelle Created His Own Liberal Town in a Sea of Trump Supporters

More than two decades ago, comedian Dave Chappelle put down roots in a small Ohio town – and now he owns most of it …