November 8th, 2016 was a momentous date in United States history. Several Americans stayed up until the long after midnight announcement of the Republican party’s victory. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans are upset with the decision. While America was celebrating, mourning, or in shock of the results, six women were making history. These six women are breaking minority barriers regardless of having a Republican President.
Tammy Duckworth: Illinois
Tammy Duckworth defeated her Republican opponent Mark Kirk due to Illinois being predominantly Democrat. She rightfully earned her seat in the Senate with her military background while serving in the Iraq War and being a biracial double-amputee who lost her legs.
Kamala Harris: California
Kamala Harris has been elected as the second female black woman to be elected to the senate. Harris is the first black female since 1999, and the first to be elected as California’s attorney general.
Catherine Cortez Masto: Nevada
Catherine Cortez Masto became the first Latina woman senator in U.S. history. Beating out Republican Joe Heck in Nevada, Masto spoke against Trump’s views and focused her campaign on the possible immigration reforms to come within the next four years.
Pramila Jayapal: Washington State
Pramila Jayapal is the first south Asian woman to be elected to Congress. Jaypal is a civil rights activist and the founder of the OneAmerica advocacy group.
Ilhan Omar: Minnesota
Ilhan Omar made history as the first Somali-American legislator. Omar came to America when she was just 12 years old as a refugee, fleeing her country during a war. The now 34-year-old is breaking barriers in women’s history.
Kate Brown: Oregon
Kate Brown was elected the first openly LGBTQ governor in U.S. history. Brown has said that she first became involved with politics after she discovered that as a young lawyer, she was being payed less than a man in the same position as her. Brown is a firm believer in equality and hopes to gain ground in the Women’s Movement.
Although millions of citizens in the United States were hoping to “break the glass ceiling” in the making of the first female president, we all have to look at the silver lining and realizing that these six powerful and amazing women were making history right under our noses.
Congratulations to Tammy Duckworth, Kamala Harris, Catherine Cortez Masto, Pramilia Jayapal, Illan Omar, and Kate Brown on your achievements. Everyone is excited to see what will come out of the next 4 years and we are glad you can be a part of it.
