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.