Only 5 States Have Ever Had An African-American State Governor

The map above shows a rather shocking state as of 2025, only 5 US states had ever had an African-American State Governor (all men), and in the case of Louisiana that was well over a century ago during the era of reconstruction.

More about the the 5/6 men below:

1. P.B.S. Pinchback (Louisiana, 1872–1873)

• First African American governor in U.S. history (although this is disputed by some see Oscar Dunn below)
• Served for about 35 days
• Came to power during Reconstruction after a disputed election.

Louisiana Controversy:

• The 1872 election in Louisiana was highly disputed, with multiple rival governments claiming legitimacy
• Both Republicans and Democrats accused each other of fraud
• Pinchback became governor after the sitting governor was removed amid this chaos
• His governorship was technically legal, but widely challenged and politically unstable
• Because of this turmoil, some historians debate how to classify his tenure (though he is officially recognized)

2. Douglas Wilder (Virginia, 1990–1994)

• First African American elected governor by popular vote
• Won a very close election in 1989
• Known for fiscal conservatism and balancing Virginia’s budget

3. Deval Patrick (Massachusetts, 2007–2015)

• First Black governor of Massachusetts
• Second African American elected governor overall and first in the North.
• Focused on education reform and economic growth

4. David Paterson (New York, 2008–2010)

• First African American governor of New York
• Also the first legally blind governor in U.S. history
• Became governor after Eliot Spitzer resigned

5. Wes Moore (Maryland, 2023–present)

• First African American governor of Maryland
• Third elected Black governor in U.S. history
• Focuses on economic mobility, education, and public service

O.? Oscar Dunn (Louisiana, 1868–1871)

Oscar James Dunn is a crucial figure, and often overlooked, in this history.

Why he matters

• First African American elected statewide executive official in the U.S.
• Elected Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana during Reconstruction (1868)
• A formerly enslaved man who rose to one of the highest offices in the state

Did he act as governor?

Yes, very likely, at least briefly.

• As lieutenant governor under Henry Clay Warmoth, Dunn would have:
  • Exercised gubernatorial powers when Warmoth was absent
• However, records are incomplete, so:
  • Historians generally say he “likely served as acting governor”, but exact dates/times aren’t well documented

Political conflict

Dunn wasn’t just a placeholder—he was deeply involved in power struggles:

• He broke with Governor Warmoth over:
  • Corruption
  • Control of the Republican Party in Louisiana
• Dunn aligned with more radical Reconstruction policies supporting Black political rights

 Mysterious death (possible controversy)

• Dunn died suddenly in 1871 at age 49
• Many contemporaries suspected poisoning, though it was never proven
• His death:
  • Shifted political power in Louisiana
  • Weakened Black political leadership during Reconstruction

Why he’s important historically

• Preceded P.B.S. Pinchback
• Represents one of the earliest examples of Black executive power in the U.S.
• His career shows how fragile Reconstruction-era gains were

Key takeaway

• If Pinchback is considered the first Black governor,
• Then Oscar Dunn is arguably the first African American to exercise gubernatorial authority, even if only temporarily and less formally documented.

And finally here are African American lieutenant governors who briefly served as acting governor, usually when the elected governor was out of state, resigned, or temporarily unable to serve. These roles were often short but still historically important.

George W. Haley (Kansas, 1969–1973)

• First African American Lieutenant Governor of Kansas
• Served briefly as acting governor during absences of the governor
• Brother of author Alex Haley

Mervyn Dymally (California, 1975–1979)

• First African American Lieutenant Governor of California
• Served as acting governor multiple times when Jerry Brown was out of state
• One of the earliest Black officials to exercise gubernatorial powers (even if temporarily)

Pierre Howard (Georgia, 1991–1999)

• First African American Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
• Served as acting governor at times during the governor’s absence
• Important figure in Southern Black political leadership post–civil rights era

David Paterson (before becoming governor in 2008)

• As lieutenant governor, he temporarily acted as governor when Eliot Spitzer was unavailable
• Later became full governor after Spitzer resigned (making him more than just acting)

Winsome Earle-Sears (Virginia, 2022–present)

• First Black woman elected state-wide in Virginia
• Has the constitutional ability to act as governor when Glenn Youngkin is absent (as modern lieutenant governors do)

How “Acting Governor” Works

• In most states, when the governor leaves the state or is temporarily unavailable, the lieutenant governor assumes powers
• These stints can last from hours to days, but they are legally significant
• This is why some figures are noted in history even if they were never elected governor outright

Important Distinction

• Acting governor (temporary) → short-term authority
• Succeeded to governor (like David Paterson) → full governorship
• Elected governor (like Douglas Wilder) → chosen directly by voters

Surprised?