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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186939
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12805
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456334
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25665
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments