In this moment, many votes are still being counted, and many more races yet to be called. However, we can recognize and acknowledge some groundbreaking wins for the LGBTQ+ community and women of color elected politicians.
Sarah McBride (Delaware – Senate District 1) became the highest-ranking transgender legislator in the entire country.
Stephanie Byers (Kansas- House District 86) became the first openly transgender legislator in Kansas history.
Jessica Benham (Pennsylvania – House District 36) is the first openly autistic LGBTQ+ community member of the Pennsylvania House, and one of the first openly autistic legislators in the entire United States.
Cecilia Gonzalez (Nevada – Assembly District 16) is the first LGBTQ + Asian legislator in Nevada history.
Mauree Turner (Oklahoma – House District 88) is the first Muslim, non-binary state legislator in Oklahoma history.
Iman Iodeh (Colorado – House District 41) is the first Muslim in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Mary Kunesh-Podein (Minnesota – Senate District 41) will become the first Native woman in the Minnesota State Senate.
Yvette Herrell, (New Mexico) a registered member of the Cherokee Nation, won the 2nd Congressional District seat.
Teresa Leger Fernandez is projected to be the first Hispanic woman to represent New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District.
With her win, Holly Mitchell ensured that Los Angeles will have an all-women Board of Supervisors for the first time ever.
Now or later, we all can take a moment to reflect on the impact of the 2020 Election and open our hearts and minds to the realization that diversity and inclusion matters in America.
Dr. Annette Walker is Life West’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
