Aaron Ford Wins Nevada and Stacey Plaskett Makes History in the U.S. Virgin Islands
By JA Williams Jr. | Jimmy Will In Print | Uptown Standard
November 4, 2026 | Election Update
Just when the 2026 elections had already made history, two more Black gubernatorial victories were announced in the hours following Election Day.
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford defeated incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, becoming Nevada’s first Black governor. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett won the governorship of the U.S. Virgin Islands, becoming the territory’s first elected female governor.
These victories add to an extraordinary election cycle that has expanded Black representation in executive leadership across the United States.
Five Black governors are now set to serve simultaneously across the 50 states, while Plaskett adds another historic victory in a U.S. territory.
AARON FORD: NEVADA ELECTS ITS FIRST BLACK GOVERNOR
Aaron Ford’s victory is particularly significant because he defeated a sitting Republican governor in one of America’s most politically competitive states.
Ford, a Democrat, has served as Nevada’s attorney general since 2019. Before entering statewide office, he served in the Nevada Senate, including as majority leader.
His campaign focused heavily on affordability, housing costs, economic security, and health care.
Ford’s political approach emphasizes consumer protection and an active government role in addressing economic challenges facing working families.
His election also places him in an important political position. Nevada is a battleground state where independent voters, economic concerns, and changing political coalitions can influence statewide and national elections.
Ford now faces the challenge of translating his campaign priorities into governing results.
According to preliminary election reporting, Ford received approximately 506,653 votes, or 51.7 percent, with about 87 percent of results reported. The Associated Press declared him the winner early Wednesday morning.
STACEY PLASKETT: A HISTORIC FIRST IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Stacey Plaskett’s election represents another important milestone.
The longtime congressional delegate won the U.S. Virgin Islands governorship alongside running mate Milton Potter.
Plaskett becomes the first woman elected governor of the territory, bringing years of experience in Congress to the executive branch.
Unlike the governors of the 50 states, Plaskett will lead a U.S. territory with a unique political relationship with Washington.
The Virgin Islands faces challenges involving economic development, tourism, infrastructure, affordable housing, and disaster preparedness.
Its residents are American citizens but do not have the same federal voting representation as residents of the states.
Plaskett’s congressional experience may prove particularly relevant as she works with federal officials on the territory’s priorities.
Unofficial election returns show Plaskett and Potter receiving 11,865 votes, approximately 62.8 percent of the gubernatorial vote. Their majority avoided a runoff election.
BLACK POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUES TO EXPAND
These two additional victories broaden the significance of the 2026 elections.
Ford brings experience in statewide law enforcement, legislative leadership, and economic policy.
Plaskett brings congressional experience, federal relationships, and a focus on the distinctive challenges of territorial government.
Both are Democrats, but their responsibilities and political environments will be considerably different.
Their elections also reinforce a larger point about Black political leadership: there is no single background, career path, or governing philosophy that defines it.
Some leaders emerge from Congress. Others rise through municipal government, state legislatures, law enforcement, or community organizations.
What matters now is how they use their experience to govern.
For Ford, that means addressing Nevada’s affordability challenges and building an effective statewide administration.
For Plaskett, it means strengthening the Virgin Islands’ economy, infrastructure, and public services while navigating its relationship with the federal government.
The historic firsts deserve recognition.
But the real measure of their leadership will come after the celebrations end.
Making history gets you elected. Delivering results determines your legacy.
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Election results cited are preliminary or unofficial as of November 4, 2026, and remain subject to certification.
Disclosure: Written by JA Williams Jr., d/b/a Jimmy Will, and edited with ChatGPT for research assistance and content editing. The cover image was created with ChatGPT.
