The 2022 U.S. midterm elections see a progressive revolution—and some candidates make history.
Maura Healey was the first lesbian governor of the United States.Image: Associated Press
Maura Healy
The Democratic attorney general of Massachusetts has been elected governor of the state.
The 51-year-old made history by becoming the nation’s first openly gay governor and the state’s first female and openly gay candidate to be elected to the office.
She defeated Republican Geoff Diehl, who won Donald Trump.
“Tonight I want to say something to every little girl out there and every young LGBTQ guy out there. I want to tell you tonight that you can be anyone, whoever you want to be, except your own No one can stand in your way beyond your imagination, she said in her victory speech.
Ms Healy is not the first woman to hold office. The then lieutenant governor, Republican Jane Swift, became acting governor in 2001 when Paul Cellucci resigned as ambassador to Canada — but she was never elected.
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Maxwell Frost, 25, became the first Gen Z member to be elected to Congress.Image: Associated Press
Maxwell Frost
The Democrat has become the first member of Gen Z to win a seat in Congress.
The 25-year-old African-American Cuban gun reform campaigner, whose campaign also focused on abortion rights, defeated Calvin Wimbish, a 72-year-old retired U.S. Army green beret Republican.
He won Orlando, Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes attractions such as Disney World and Universal Orlando.
“We won!!!! History was made tonight. We made history for Floridians, Gen Z and all who believe we deserve a better future,” he tweeted. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent my home in the U.S. Congress.”
American political data analyst Pew Research Center defines Gen Z as anyone born after 1997, with millennials born between 1981 and 1996.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders was elected as Arkansas’ first female governor.Image: Associated Press
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, was elected Arkansas’ first female governor.
The 40-year-old Democratic candidate, Chris Jones, an ordained Baptist pastor and nuclear engineer, is running for governor in her predominantly Republican hometown, where former President Trump still very popular. .
When she left the White House to return to Arkansas in 2019, Mr. Trump publicly encouraged her to run for governor.
Ms Sanders briefly dropped out of the campaign in September after undergoing thyroid cancer surgery. Her doctors said she was cancer-free after the surgery.
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Democrat Wesmore was Maryland’s first black governor.Image: Associated Press
Wes Moore
In Maryland, where 31 percent of the population is black, Democrat Wes Moore became the first African-American to win gubernatorial elections in the state.
The 44-year-old writer, backed by former President Barack Obama and TV talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, defeated his Republican opponent, Dan Cox.
“I haven’t forgotten that I made a little history here myself tonight,” he told his supporters.
“I’m honored to be a part of this legacy…it’s not why we’re in this race. The history that matters most to us is the history we – and the people of this state – will make together for the next four year.”
John Fettman wins state Senate race, ‘flips’ Pennsylvania
John Feltman
in a key victory for the president Joe Bidenparty, Democrats overthrow Republican Senate seat in Pennsylvaniadefeating Republican celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz and backing his party’s chances of taking control of the chamber.
For the 53-year-old — the state’s lieutenant governor is known for preferring a hoodie to a blazer — the victory was a personal victory after a stroke earlier this year.
His opponent, the TV doctor, was a handpicked candidate for Mr Trump’s campaign, and he questioned his fitness for public office.
Speaking at an election night event in Pittsburgh, Mr. Feltman said: “This race is for the future of every community in Pennsylvania. For every town or person who has ever felt left behind.”
New York Governor Kathy Hocher celebrates
Kathy Hocher
The 64-year-old woman made history by becoming the first woman to be elected governor of New York after Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment.
She has now won the office outright — beating Republican Lizel Dine after a closer than expected race.
Ms Hocher attended a rally with the vice president a few days before the election Kamala Harristhe first woman elected to the second-highest office in the country, and Hillary Clintonthe first woman to become a major party presidential candidate and New York’s first female senator.
“Tonight you made your voice loud and clear,” she told her supporters. “And, you made me the first woman ever elected governor of New York State. But I’m not here to make history, I’m here to make a difference.”
Delia Ramirez.Image: Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register/USA TODAY Network/via Reuters
Delia Ramirez
Democratic state Representative Delia Ramirez has become the first Latino elected to Congress from Illinois.
The 39-year-old beat Republican Justin Blau.
“We just made history tonight,” she told her supporters. “We broke the glass ceiling.”
“I’m proud to be your next member of Congress.”