Midterm elections could usher in historic firsts for several states

This year’s election features a notably diverse field of candidates, both Democratic and Republican, potentially leading to a wave of historic leadership milestones. Voters could see the election of the first Indigenous female governor, Indigenous women senators, the first Black female governor, the first openly gay U.S. senator, and the first Muslim U.S. senator, among other achievements.

Alexis Anderson-Reed, president and CEO of State Voices, highlighted the significance of these potential milestones. “These firsts show how our country is changing,” she said. “For years, people of color and LGBTQ+ communities have organized, knocked on doors, talked to voters, held conversations, and done the hard work of saving our democracy. These wins are because of them.”

In New Mexico, Deb Haaland, who previously served as the first Native American cabinet secretary under former U.S. President Joe Biden, is running for governor. If elected, she would follow Charles Curtis, who served as vice president under Herbert Hoover, as the only tribal citizen to hold that office in Oklahoma. Haaland stated, “I mean, somebody has to be the first. I just don’t want to be the last.”

Mary Peltola, the first Indigenous Alaskan elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, is seeking a Senate seat in Alaska, while Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, also hopes to secure a Senate victory. Should Michele Tafoya win, she would become the first Republican of Latina heritage in the U.S. Senate.

In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Lisa Demuth are vying to become the first Black female governor, potentially ending a 250-year streak. Minnesota is guaranteed to elect its first female governor, regardless of the outcome between Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth.

Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Democrat, could become the first Muslim American in the U.S. Senate, facing a contentious race against Republican Mike Rogers. He has faced attacks from Republicans, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has questioned his American identity and political views.

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has the opportunity to be the first openly gay U.S. senator if elected in New Hampshire, a distinction he already holds for Congress.

With Wes Moore projected to win re-election, the U.S. could see a significant increase in the number of Black governors, potentially reaching seven. Other states with Black gubernatorial contenders include Florida, Wisconsin, Nevada, and South Carolina.

This election marks a record year for women running for state and federal offices. Democrats have nominated 19 women for governor, while the Republican Party has seven. Tennessee will also elect its first female governor between Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green. Amanda Janoo in Vermont and Cyndi Munson in Oklahoma could become the first Democratic Asian American women governors. Former Republican Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina was the first Asian American female governor.

Nearly 300 women are running for the U.S. Senate and House, including Democrat Juliana Stratton in Illinois.