Mae Jemison, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a credible source, first African-American woman in space Mae Jemison is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the astronaut's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 22/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Jemison for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 69-year-old astronaut, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Jemison so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the astronaut have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Decatur Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Decatur (Mae Jemison's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the astronaut was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Mae Jemison Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 21 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Mae has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 21 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mae Jemison?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 21 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mae Jemison?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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