The 2018 Midterm Election was a historical victory for all women. (Yeah, representation!)
At least 118 women will be headed to Congress in January — a record number that includes some incredibly notable firsts: Sharis Davids and Deb Haaland, both Democrats, are the first Native American women elected to Congress; South Dakota elected Republican Kristi Noem as their first female governor, and among many other notable wins, Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib and Minnesota Democrat Ilham Omar will be the first Muslim women to enter Congress.
We’re proud of all the women who marked new territory this election, but we’re particularly kvelling over the Jewish mamas who busted their asses to win seats in the House and Senate. Five new badass ladies are joining veterans Dianne Feinstein, Susan Davis, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jan Shakowsky, Nita Lowey, and Suzanne Bonamici in Congress, and we couldn’t be prouder. Read more about them below.
Jacky Rosen (D)
Won: Senate seat in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District
Defeated: Republican incumbent Dean Heller
Campaign focus: Women’s healthcare, gun control, and livable wages
Notable: Rosen has a daughter. Her win solidifies Nevada as a swing state that leans blue.
After our long journey on this campaign together, I’m humbled, honored, and deeply grateful to serve as Nevada’s next Senator!
I’ll wake up every day ready to fight for Nevada’s families. I got into politics to make a difference, and I will always carry your stories with me.
— Jacky Rosen (@RosenforNevada) November 7, 2018
Kim Schrier (D)
Won: Washington’s 8th Congressional District
Defeated: Republican Dino Rossi to replace retiring incumbent Dave Reichert
Campaign focus: Affordable healthcare, environmental issues, public education
Notable: Schrier, a physician and mom of one, was one of several Jewish candidates depicted clutching cash in Republican opponents’ ads.
We did it! Thank you, Washington! pic.twitter.com/1VM25Nk6J4
— Dr. Kim Schrier (@DrKimSchrier) November 8, 2018
Elaine Luria (D)
Won: House seat in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District
Defeated: Republican incumbent Scott Taylor
Campaign focus: Affordable healthcare, strong military, gun control, environmental issues, and equal pay
Notable: After scoring a win that increased Democrats’ chances of taking back the House, the former Navy commander (and mom of one) said she’s “honored to once again answer the call to serve our country.”
I also want to thank Congressman Taylor’s supporters and make something very clear: My door will be open, my phones will be on. And my job now is to work hard for all of my constituents, regardless of who they voted for on Election Day.
— Elaine Luria (@ElaineLuriaVA) November 7, 2018
Elissa Slotkin (D)
Won: House seat in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District
Defeated: Incumbent Republican Michael Bishop
Campaign focus: National security and healthcare
Notable: It was Bishop’s policy on healthcare that pushed Slotkin (mom of two) to run for office.
We’re finishing the campaign the way we started: with a group of Republicans, Democrats & Independents. We all just want our government to work, and to be a proud representation of the country we love. #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/OPlShnYXHG
— Elissa Slotkin (@ElissaSlotkin) November 6, 2018
Susan Wild (D)
Won: House seat in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District
Defeated: Republican Marty Nothstein
Campaign focus: Affordable healthcare for all, women’s rights, and access to well-paying jobs
Notable: Wild’s win marks the end of the Pennsylvania’s boy’s club, as the congressional delegation was formerly made up entirely of men. An excellent example for her two daughters!
I am having a blast out at the polls today. I’ve spoken to so many voters who are excited to cast their ballot and are ready for change #ElectionDay #PA7 pic.twitter.com/GnSV1vHcXx
— Susan Ellis Wild (@wildforcongress) November 6, 2018
Mazel tov to all the winners!
