This year’s election season was tumultuous to say the least, with the results of some elections not available until later than desired. The 2020 elections were also historical in many ways, with record voter turnout and a diverse candidate pool. Here are just five of the several candidates who achieved historic victories this election season. I recommend following their political careers as they continue to make history in upcoming elections!
- Kamala Harris
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Kamala Harris already made history as the first Black and Asian American woman to run for Vice President, but she has now been affirmed as the first woman, first Black person and first Asian American person to be elected as Vice President of the United States. She remarked in her victory speech that she might be the first, but she will not be the last woman to hold this position. Because Harris is the first female vice president, her husband, Doug Emhoff, is the first male spouse of any U.S. president or vice president. Furthermore, the incoming Second Gentleman is the first Jewish spouse of any U.S. president or vice president.
- Sarah McBride
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Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender state senator after winning her election in Delaware. Previously, McBride was press secretary of the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, and interned for President Barack Obama. She also made history as the first transgender American to speak at the Democratic National convention in 2016. She hopes that her win will show other LGBTQ kids that there is space for them in democracy as well.
- Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones
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Ritchie Torres is an incoming congressman from Bronx, New York. Torres will be the first openly LGBTQ Afro-Latinx member of Congress. He has campaigned for progressive goals and open about his history with mental illness and substance abuse. Previously, Torres became the youngest elected official in New York City as a member of the New York City Council in 2013. Torres’ 2013 victory even inspired congressman-elect Mondaire Jones to run for office in NY-17. Torres and Jones together will make history as the first out, gay, Black men in congress. They are both grateful for the opportunity to serve their communities and represent their identities in Congress.
- Marilyn Strickland
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Marilyn Strickland will be the first Korean American woman elected to Congress as well as the first Black representative from Washington. Strickland previously made history as the first African American mayor of Tacoma, Washington. In Congress, she plans to prioritize universal healthcare, building an inclusive economy and finding solutions to climate change.
- Mauree Turner
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Mauree Turner became the first Muslim lawmaker in Oklahoma and also the first openly nonbinary state legislator in the United States. Turner is one of five legislators who became the first Muslim lawmakers in their states. Turner, 27, is also an activist with a passion for criminal justice reform. Turner said their victory is important because it allows the next generation to see themselves in government.