The November 3 US midterm elections have brought a series of historic breakthroughs, with voters electing candidates who are set to reshape the country's political representation. From the first Black woman governor to the first openly gay male senator, the results have marked important milestones across several states.
The elections also saw the first Native American woman elected governor and the first Native American woman elected to the US Senate. Meanwhile, the possibility of the country's first Muslim senator remained open as votes were being counted.
Alexis Anderson-Reed, president and CEO of State Voices, said the victories reflected changing representation in American politics.
“These firsts show how our country is changing,” she said.
“For years, people of color and LGBTQ communities have organised, knocked on doors, talked to voters, held conversations, and done the hard work of saving our democracy," Anderson-Reed said. "These wins are because of them.”
Deb Haaland becomes first Native American woman governor
Democrat Deb Haaland defeated Republican Gregg Hull in New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman elected governor in US history. A member of the Laguna Pueblo community, Haaland previously served as a Congresswoman and became the first Native American to lead the Department of the Interior under former president Joe Biden.
“Tonight, in our nation's 250th year, I stand before you as the first Native American woman elected governor in US history,” Haaland told supporters.
Peggy Flanagan makes history in Senate
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has become the first Native American woman elected to the US Senate. A member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, she defeated Republican Michele Tafoya.
In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola was also in contention to become the first Alaska Native senator, with votes still being counted.
Georgia elects its first Black woman governor
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Georgia governor's race, becoming the first Black woman to lead a US state. She also becomes Georgia's first governor of colour. All 83 of the state's previous governors were white men.
“Tonight should remind us all that no matter what community we come from, Georgia is not defined by one moment in time or by one person,” Bottoms told supporters. “It's been defined by all of us, and I will be a governor for everyone in this state."
First openly gay male senator elected
Democratic Representative Chris Pappas won the Senate race in New Hampshire, defeating former Republican senator John E. Sununu. He becomes the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate.
“I'm not running to make history,” Pappas had said during his campaign.
More milestones for women and Black candidates
Florida elected Republican Byron Donalds as its first Black governor, while Maryland's Wes Moore secured re-election. Several other states also witnessed strong contests involving women candidates.
In Illinois, Democrat Juliana Stratton defeated Republican Don Tracy to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Her victory, alongside Tammy Duckworth, means Illinois will be represented by two female senators of colour.
The elections also marked a record year for women candidates, with nearly 300 women, including incumbents, contesting seats in the US House and Senate.