Midterms Recap: A New Congress
INTRODUCTION
The 2018 midterms elections concluded with Democrats winning the House of Representatives and Republicans taking the Senate. Even if it did not seem like there was a blue wave, victorious Republican senators were tested by Democrats in traditionally red regions. The surge in voter turnout (especially youth voter turnout) helped form the most diverse Congress in United States history. More women are in Congress than ever, and politicians from various minority groups and ethnic backgrounds are now representing the people.
HISTORIC WINS
Ayanna Pressley (D) -- First black congresswoman from Massachusetts
Pressley defeated ten term-serving Congressman Michael Capuano in the 7th District of Massachusetts. She is a sexual assault survivor who has advocated for an end to sexual violence, gun control, and hopes to defund ICE.
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D) -- Youngest woman ever elected into congress
At 29 years old, democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio Cortez defeated 10 term congressman Joe Crowley to represent New York’s 14th Congressional District. She backs Medicare for all, raising the minimum wage, and universal housing.
Sharice Davids (D) -- The first Native American and out lesbian to be elected to Congress
Davids is a member of the Ho-Chunk nation tribe, She is also the first LGBT person to represent Congress. Her win has spurred discussion about native American voting rights, their access to a fundamental right that all US citizens have. She defeated four term Republican Kevin Yoder for Kansas’ 3rd District Congressional seat.
Deb Haaland (D) -- One of the first Native American women elected to congress
Haaland grew up as a normal New Mexican as a member of the Laguana Pueblo tribe. Her victory is a signal that anyone, even the most powerless and oppressed, can represent the people in government and challenge the current societal norms.
Ilhan Omar (D) -- First Palestinian-American and Somali-American woman to Congress
Omar came to the US as a refugee and defeated Republican Jennifer Zielinski in the 2018 midterms.
Rashida Tlaib (D) -- One of the first few Muslim women elected to Congress
Rashida Tlaib ran unopposed after winning the democratic nomination for Michigan’s 13th Congressional district. Born to Palestinian immigrants in Detroit, she has also worked as an attorney at the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice
The new perspectives and experiences in the US Congress will allow for the implementation of innovative policies and reforms that will shape our nation for decades to come. With the Trump administration passing more and more conservative policies, now is the time to encourage equality and change. The election of women from minority groups into Congress challenges the very core of the Trump campaign, whose message is inspired by oppressive and fascist rhetoric. These victories are symbolic of the will of the American people and show that voters want a voice for all, not just the white upper class men.
The shift in balance from a GOP controlled Congress to a split one also means that the House can block Trump’s agenda more easily, making it harder it for him to push through anti immigration policies, and tax cuts for the rich.
Beto O’Rourke
One of the most well known candidates in the midterms elections was Beto O’Rourke, who challenged Ted Cruz as Texas’s representative in Congress. He became the closest Democrat to win a statewide election in the red state in twenty years. Even so, O’Rourke’s unification of voters allowed Democrats Lizzie Pannill Fletcher and Colin Aldred to beat Republican incumbents for seats in the House of Representatives. The near victory represents a shift in political beliefs, especially among younger generations, who want rapid change and justice in society. In early polls for the 2020 presidential election, O’Rourke has been a frontrunner.
VOTER TURNOUT IN THE MIDTERMS
Voter turnout hit a 50 year high in 2018, demonstrating the voters’ demand for change and their recognition of the flaws in the current administration. More than 47 percent of the eligible population voted. There were also more votes for Democrats than Republicans, showing that the blue wave theory was in fact correct and that Democrats were energized by Trump’s numerous inhumane actions including family separation. Some districts even saw turnout higher than that of the 2016 presidential election. The people finally understood that their votes really mean something and can translate into life altering policies.
Despite the wins, voter suppression was also a large factor in the midterms, especially among Native Americans. Weeks before the election, North Dakota ruled that voter IDs had to list physical street addresses, but many Native Americans living on reservations do not have a street address. This prevention of minorities from voting demonstrates how the system is still flawed, and many corrupt politicians are willing to do anything so that their seats are not challenged and society continues to benefit people like them. Even though immigration and diversity was the basis of America’s democracy, the Republican party still wishes to prevent everyone from gaining a fundamental right and ensure their victories.
by PIA JAIN, ANGELIQUE PHAM