2018 Midterm Elections Make History

The 2018 Midterm Elections brought a wave of diverse politicians, many of whom are women. Here’s a look at the historic firsts we saw in the election.

First Muslim Women in Congress

Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib and Minnesota's Ilhan Omar became the first Muslim women elected to Congress. 

First Native American Women in Congress and first openly LGBTQ woman of color in Congress.

Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids won seats in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, becoming the first two Native American women in Congress. Davids, a a member of Ho-Chunk Nation, also makes history as the first openly LGBT representative in Kansas and the first openly LGBT woman of color in Congress. Haaland, a single mom from New Mexico, and member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, previously served as chair of the state’s Democratic Party.

The Youngest Women Ever Elected to Congress

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New Yorker who turned 29 in October, became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress on Tuesday. Abby Finkenauer, who turned 29 in December, was elected in Iowa.

First Women House Members from Iowa

Abby Finkenauer in Iowa's 1st District and Cindy Axne in the state's 3rd District became the Hawkeye state's first two women elected to the House. Iowa elected its first woman to the Senate in 2014 — Republican Joni Ernst.

Massachusetts’ First Black Congresswoman

Ayanna Pressley, a Boston city councilor, is Massachusetts' first black woman to be elected to Congress.

Texas First Two Latina Congresswomen

Veronica Escobar, a former El Paso County Judge, and Sylvia Garcia, a state senator, became the first two Latina congresswoman representing Texas.

First Openly Gay Governor in the US

Jared Polis won his race for governor of Colorado on Tuesday, becoming the first openly gay governor in history.

First Woman Elected Governor of Iowa

Kim Reynolds became the first woman elected governor of Iowa.

First Woman Governor of Guam

Lou Leon Guerrero won 50.7% of the vote, winning her the race and making her Guam’s first woman governor.