History in the Making
The 2020 election had the highest voter turnout in history. With so many Americans making their voices heard, so many diverse Americans were chosen to represent the country. Of course, Kamala Harris has become many “firsts” in her new position. She is the first woman, Black person, and South Asian American to be elected vice president. However, Harris is only one of many to make history in this election.
Cori Bush became the first Black woman to be elected to congress in the state of Missouri. New Yorkers Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres became the first two gay Black men elected to congress. Sarah McBride is now the U.S.’s first transgender state senator. Mauree Turner is not only the first Muslim elected in Oklahoma, but the first gender non-binary person to be chosen for state legislature. Jabari Brisport has become the first LGBTQ+ POC to become a New York State senator. Taylor Small is the first transgender state legislator in Vermont. Shevrin Jones is now the first LGBTQ+ state senator in Florida. Michele Rayner-Goolsby is now the first Black LGBTQ+ woman to be elected to Florida’s house of representatives.
No matter which candidate individuals preferred, most people can agree upon this: representation is important. It is widely believed that true democracy cannot exist in America if its people are not portrayed in the government. Politics have been rough this year, but seeing a diverse group of people elected can be seen as a big step forward towards an improved nation.