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 daysCame to power during Reconstruction after a disputed election.Louisiana Controversy:The 1872 election in Louisiana was highly disputed, with multiple rival governments claiming legitimacyBoth Republicans and Democrats accused each other of fraudPinchback became governor after the sitting governor was removed amid this chaosHis governorship was technically legal, but widely challenged and politically unstableBecause 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 voteWon a very close election in 1989Known for fiscal conservatism and balancing Virginia’s budget3. Deval Patrick (Massachusetts, 2007–2015)First Black governor of MassachusettsSecond African American elected governor overall and first in the North.Focused on education reform and economic growth4. David Paterson (New York, 2008–2010)First African American governor of New YorkAlso the first legally blind governor in U.S. historyBecame governor after Eliot Spitzer resigned5. Wes Moore (Maryland, 2023–present)First African American governor of MarylandThird elected Black governor in U.S. historyFocuses on economic mobility, education, and public serviceO.? Oscar Dunn (Louisiana, 1868–1871)Oscar James Dunn is a crucial figure, and often overlooked, in this history.Why he mattersFirst 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 stateDid 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 absentHowever, records are incomplete, so:Historians generally say he “likely served as acting governor”, but exact dates/times aren’t well documentedPolitical conflictDunn wasn’t just a placeholder—he was deeply involved in power struggles:He broke with Governor Warmoth over:CorruptionControl of the Republican Party in LouisianaDunn aligned with more radical Reconstruction policies supporting Black political rights Mysterious death (possible controversy)Dunn died suddenly in 1871 at age 49Many contemporaries suspected poisoning, though it was never provenHis death:Shifted political power in LouisianaWeakened Black political leadership during ReconstructionWhy he’s important historicallyPreceded P.B.S. PinchbackRepresents one of the earliest examples of Black executive power in the U.S.His career shows how fragile Reconstruction-era gains wereKey takeawayIf 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 KansasServed briefly as acting governor during absences of the governorBrother of author Alex HaleyMervyn Dymally (California, 1975–1979)First African American Lieutenant Governor of CaliforniaServed as acting governor multiple times when Jerry Brown was out of stateOne of the earliest Black officials to exercise gubernatorial powers (even if temporarily)Pierre Howard (Georgia, 1991–1999)First African American Lieutenant Governor of GeorgiaServed as acting governor at times during the governor’s absenceImportant figure in Southern Black political leadership post–civil rights eraDavid Paterson (before becoming governor in 2008)As lieutenant governor, he temporarily acted as governor when Eliot Spitzer was unavailableLater 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 VirginiaHas the constitutional ability to act as governor when Glenn Youngkin is absent (as modern lieutenant governors do)How “Acting Governor” WorksIn most states, when the governor leaves the state or is temporarily unavailable, the lieutenant governor assumes powersThese stints can last from hours to days, but they are legally significantThis is why some figures are noted in history even if they were never elected governor outrightImportant DistinctionActing governor (temporary) → short-term authoritySucceeded to governor (like David Paterson) → full governorshipElected governor (like Douglas Wilder) → chosen directly by votersSurprised?