Election day was a lot, besties: how’re we holding up? (As a Florida girlie I’m not doing too hot.) The 2022 Midterm Election happened Nov. 8 and there was a lot of crucial legislation on the ballots like reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. While there were some disappointing results (IYKYK), there was a lot of good that happened too — and we shouldn’t ignore that.
To not go clinically insane after these election results, I’ve been reminding myself to look at the history that was made in the 2022 midterms. Whether that be the first Gen Z member elected to Congress, states voting to protect abortion rights, or the LGBTQ+ representation, we can’t deny that change is here. And that’s a good thing.
- Maura Healey becomes the first out lesbian Governor
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Healey became the nation’s first openly gay woman to be elected the position of governor. Additionally, Healey is the first woman to win this position in Massachusetts. This is a huge win for not only the LGBTQ+ community, but for women all over the country. I love to see it.
- Gen Z is now in Congress
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The time has come: Gen Z is finally making its way into public office and I can’t wait. Maxwell Frost is just 25 years old and just scored the seat in Florida’s 10th Congressional District. He is the first member of Gen Z elected to serve in Congress. Before running for (and winning a seat in) Congress, Frost served as the organizing director for March for Our Lives. Honestly, slay.
- Maryland elects their first Black governor
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The first Black governor of Maryland has been elected, and his name is Wes Moore. Moore gained popularity quickly among the democratic party despite never serving in government before. Additionally, Moore was even endorsed by previous president Barack Obama. Congrats, Maryland!
- New Hampshire Elects The First Out Trans Man in Legislature
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New Hampshire will have the first out trans man elected to any U.S. state legislature: James Roesener won New Hampshire’s 22nd state House District seat and made history. Roesener identifies as bisexual and lives with his wife and cat — I simply just have to stan.
- Summer Lee Is the First Black Woman Elected to Congress in Pennsylvania
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Summer Lee became the first Black woman elected to Congress in Pennsylvania. Summer is a climate champion and was endorsed by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and more. Summer’s place in Congress is a massive win for progressives in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Honestly? Queen sh*t.
- Vermont sends its first LGBTQ+ Woman to Congress
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Democrat Becca Balint wins the Vermont House and will be the first woman and LGBTQ+ individual that Vermont sends to Congress. Becca thanked her supporters on Instagram saying, “Today, we reaffirmed that Vermont, and this nation, is still a place where anything is possible. We’re still capable of change and progress.”
- New York’s Elects their First Woman Governor
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New York has its first woman governor — Kathy Hocul. She made history by being the first woman elected into the highest state office in New York, defeating Lee Zeldin — an ally of former president Donald Trump. As she should, TBH.