Following a long-anticipated midterm election that, for many, possessed the potential to be one of the most contentious political shifts of the decade, Democrats celebrate their procurement of the House while Republicans advanced their Senate majority. Additionally, the country welcomes unprecedented representation of minorities in Congress.
Having gained 24 seats in the House of Representatives, yesterday’s election sets the stage for a new wave of politics. Despite the GOP dominating two branches, Congress must embrace a new dynamic in Washington as Democrats secure majority standing in the House.
Senate flip states North Dakota, Indiana and Missouri went red, contributing to the Republican majority. Conversely, Democratic candidate Jacky Rosen flipped the Senate seat in Nevada, taking the win over Republican Sen. Dean Heller.
In one of the most watched and contested races, incumbent Republican Ted Cruz took the Senate seat over Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke in Texas by slightly over 3 percent.
Another very closely-watched race was that of the Tennessee Senate seat which ultimately went to Republican Marsha Blackburn, beating Democrat Phil Bredesen to become the first woman to represent Tennessee in the Senate.
The race for the Senate seat in Indiana was of grave importance to Republicans as Mike Braun took the seat from incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly. Additionally, the defeat of Republican and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrissey nodded to preferences in the state of public interest, as Joe Manchin wins re-election.
Key Democratic wins in the House included Jennifer Wexton in North Virginia and Donna Shalala in Florida, whose valued backgrounds and experience gave them leverage over Republican contenders.
However, Republican victors Andy Barr and Hal Rogers kept Democratic challengers on their toes in Kentucky, fighting for seats with no avail.
At the gubernatorial level, the nation paid particular attention to Democrat Laura Kelly’s win in Kansas as she beat out Republican Kris Kobach, the secretary of state.
Republican Ron DeSantis fought hard to secure the governor seat in Florida over worthy Democratic opponent Andrew Gillum.
The 2018 midterm elections ushered in a new wave of female elected officials. Before Tuesday, the record for the most women in congress in a given session was 107 members. As of Wednesday, there were over 110 female congress members representing both major parties.
One of the most recognizable of these champions was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who made headlines as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at 29 years old. Her journey began in June when she defeated incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary.
The political media characterized her primary win as unprecedented and unexpected in light of her opponent having served 10 terms, being a top-ranked House Democrat and significantly outspending her campaign. Some pundits say that her win is representative of the changing demographics of the Bronx- Queens district.
Others among these women were Ayanna Pressley, who is the first black House member from Massachusetts, and Jayana Hayes, the first black congresswoman from Connecticut. Additionally, Rashida Tlaib was elected to represent Michigan’s 13th district and in doing so became the first-ever female Muslim woman in congress. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota followed shortly after as the second. The first Native American congresswomen were also elected on Tuesday, with Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland winning their House races. Tennessee saw its first female senator while Maine welcomed its first female governor. Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia celebrated their respective wins as the first Latina congresswomen from Texas.
Also making history this year is newly elected Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the first openly gay man to win such a position. After serving in the House for nine years, Polis’ defeat over Republican Walker Stapleton has set a national precedent in Washington.
As the 2018 midterm elections come to a close, the nation faces its fate as a new political page lay bare, to be filled with the changes and policies voted on by its citizens.
The information in this article is attributed to the Associated Press, CNN and Fox News.
