Currents News Staff
While some of the final contests are waiting to be called, the 2018 midterm elections have come to a close. A blue wave washed over part of Congress, with Democrats taking back the House of Representatives and Republicans holding onto the Senate.
“The first refugee ever elected to Congress. And one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress,” said Ilhan Omar, Democrat Minnesota Congressional Candidate.
Election night is always an exciting time for Americans. But this midterm election was extra exciting for several groups of people, previously underrepresented in politics. Congress will have its first two female Muslim members after victories in Minnesota and Michigan.
And Colorado has elected the country’s first openly gay governor. Voters in Kansas and New Mexico are sending the first Native American women to congress.
“I never imagined a world where I would be represented by someone who looks like me. Tonight New Mexico, you are sending one of the very first Native American women to congress,” said Deb Haaland, Democrat New Mexico Congressional Candidate.
Joining them will be the first female Senator representing Tennessee and the first female governor of South Dakota.
But what is still uncertain Wednesday morning as votes continue to be collected and counted, the race for governor in Georgia is still too close to call.
Democrat Stacey Abrams, who could be the nation’s first black female governor, is trailing Republican Brian Kemp. It’s a battle that has been rife with controversy, as well as high profile support from presidents and celebrities.
“Votes remain to be counted. there are voices that are waiting to be heard. Across our state folks are opening up the dreams of voters in absentee ballots. And we believe our chance for a stronger Georgia is just within reach,” said Stacey Abrams, Democrat Georgia Governor Candidate.