The midterm elections proved to be an historic night. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The 2018 Midterm Elections Turned Out To Be An Historic Night For American History

This year's midterm elections saw a record number of Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ people see big wins all across the country.

64
The 2018 Midterm Elections Turned Out To Be An Historic Night For American History
google.com/ Midterm

I love politics. But I love history even more, and after Tuesday I'm a very happy camper. So much history was made this pass November 6th, that I woke up this morning once again feeling proud of my American heritage. America has always been a melting pot of cultural, and religious diversity- and it's about time these ideals are fully represented in our great nation.

1. Llhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are the first two Muslim- Women in Congress

That's face it; Muslims are probably the most disrespected, and degraded minority in American Society. Much as changed since 9/11 in regards to how we treat out Muslim neighbors, but much work is still needed. That's why to see Llhhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both Democrats elected to represent Minnesota and Michigan respectively, speaks much about the growing compassion and acceptance of those who worship a different faith in America.

2. Jared Polis becomes the nations first openly- gay Governor.

There wasn't much excitement about this race heading into election night. Colorado has been a democratic strong hold for much of the pass decade. However, the fact that a state where just 25 years ago was labeled "The Hate State" after targeting anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians is astounding. We've heard it all before; The United States has increasingly become more acceptable and accommodating to the LGBTQ community. After Polis textbook rewriting win, it's safe to say that Gay Americans are as political and vocal as they have ever been.

3. Marsha Blackburn becomes Tennessee first Women Senator

Not all of this history belongs to the Democratic party. Republican Marsha Blackburn has be declared the winner against Taylor Swift endorsed Phil Bresden, which all leads to the discussion of how celebrity endorsements affect the political outcomes of races. Blackburn, however, is seen as a farther right than middle candidate who opposes much about LGBTQ protections, and believes climate change is a hoax. But, history is history and Ms. Blackburn will join the ranks of more than 100+ women going on to represent the American people in the 116th Congress come January.

4.Sharice David's (Kansas) and Debra Haaland (New Mexico) will be the first Native American Congress Women

Both Democrats, David's (also an openly member of the LGBTQ Community) and Haaland will make history representing Kansas's 3rd Congressional district and New Mexico's 1st Congressional district respectively. Both women are proud members of their Native American Tribes and are one step closer to helping America address it's Native American problem, who, actually have a serious Police brutality concern.

5. Letitia James is poised to become New York States first women and African American Attorney General

Although state politics rarely makes national headlines, this race saw Letitia James become the nations first black Attorney General. New York State has been at the epicenter of much social change from The American Revolution to Stone Wall to the #METOO movement, It's nice to witness my home state lead the nation in this turbulent presidency of Donald Trump.

6. Chris Pappas becomes the first gay men to represent New Hampshire in Congress

This race I personally slept on. New Hampshire is one of those states that elects many progressive Democrats and Moderate Republican's. So the fact that a Democrat one, doesn't make bunch of headlines. But Pappas is openly gay, and will join only 10 other openly LGBTQ Congress people come January.

7. Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez will become youngest person in Congress

At only 29 Cortez, a self proclaimed Democratic Socialist, had been the unofficial "cheerleader" for younger American's in her fight to represent the most marginalized of our society. She faces a deep hurdle in pushing forward legislative duty's in Congress, but I'm sure both the moderate branch the party and more Progressive branch will meet in the middle soon.

There were plenty of other cases across the Nation of history being made. These one's just really hit home and are ones I actively desired to see results. However, other races such the Georgia's Governors race and Arizona Senate race also have real and profound chance to see history be made. Also, voter's approved Proposition 3 in Massachusetts, which is the nations first state-wide proposition on the rights and legality of Transgender persons. Florida voter's also overwhelming returned voting rights to millions of convicted felons, and also Michigan legalized Marijuana. So yeah, this year Midterms were an historic night in American history. SO much more could be written by the millions of grassroot activists and candidates' who took the time, money, and resource's too help make this country a better place for all to succeed. One last thing to note, Identity politics is a dirty game, and in my opinion, seeks to further divide the masses. These people were voted upon to lead their Constituents on policy and substances, not by their personal identities. However, at the end of the day, history was made- and I'm glad that I'm able to say that I lived through this particular time frame of American history.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1499
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1316
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

996
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments