Some results of the U.S. midterm elections have come in and quite a number of black people have won different seats.
In Florida, Ron DeSantis defeated Andrew Gillum, who was vying to become the first black governor of the Sunshine State. In Georgia, where Democrat Stacey Abrams is running against Republican Brian Kemp, the votes are still being counted.
This has been considered one of the most controversial elections after the passing an ‘exact match’ policy, which requires voter details to match information on the state’s database. The consequence is the cancellation of a registration of voters, mostly Black or Hispanic. There have also been complaints of malfunctioning voting machines.
Even so, there have been tremendous wins by black people across the country. Scroll through to find out the four distinguished women who have made history in the elections.
Ilhan Omar
She became one of the first Muslim women elected into Congress after she won 78 per cent of the votes, defeating Republican Jennifer Zielinski.
Ilhan has also made history as the first Somali-American to be elected into Congress.
We did this, together.
Thank you! pic.twitter.com/TywZwt2dR3
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 7, 2018
Ayanna Pressley
Pressley automatically became the first black woman to win Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District, after defeating Democratic Rep. Mike Capuano.
Her historic win was assured as she had no Republican opponent. “Our campaign has proven time and time again that in the face of hate in Washington and disparities in our own communities when we come together we are powerful beyond measure,” she said during her campaign.
When we held signs saying today we march, tomorrow we run, they didn’t believe us. Let’s make this the most progressive movement in our history. #Vote to make your voice heard this #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/MSDUFKXnMm
— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 6, 2018
Lauren Underwood
Underwood has unseated four-term Republican Rep. Randy Hultgren, becoming the first minority and first woman to represent a Chicago-area district in the Congress. She is a nurse who worked in Obama’s administration.
I'm honored to be your next representative for #IL14—and your first Congresswoman, ever. This victory belongs to you. pic.twitter.com/cPX0QdTwek
— Lauren Underwood (@LaurenUnderwood) November 7, 2018
Jahana Hayes
The winner of the 2016 Teacher of the Year award has become the first black woman to represent Congress in Connecticut after winning the 5th district race.
When I started this campaign, I knew I couldn’t do it alone but I asked you to trust me with your vote and to trust me with your voice. You joined me on this journey and I thank every person who also believed that we are much better together.
— Jahana Hayes (@JahanaHayesCT) November 7, 2018
This victory was possible because we came together and worked hard to get here! My campaign would not have been possible without all the support I received from my family, friends and each person that supported my campaign.
— Jahana Hayes (@JahanaHayesCT) November 7, 2018
BY NDUTA WAWERU
