Meet Six Women Who Won the 2016 Election

We may not have our first female President, but these 6 are SLAYING!

by Dana Gaier

1. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota. 

According to Elle, Omar is the first Somali American to be elected into Congress. She was born in Somalia, but fled with her family when she was still young. Omar spent four years as a refugee in Kenya, and finally made it to America with her family, settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

In an interview with Star-Tribune, she said “This district has a legacy of making history. I am excited for our progressive values and to be able to be on the ground at the Capitol representing the diverse people of my district and being a champion with them and for them.” 

Ilhan Omar is an inspiration to immigrants everywhere that it is possible to come to the United States and affect positive change!

2. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois 

This double-amputee lost both of her legs in the Iraq War, but on Tuesday night she won the votes of her state—defeating the incumbent Senator—or the person who previously held office—Senator Mark Kirk. 

Duckworth promises that she will effectively channel her new power into making sure that Veterans have access to private doctors as well as creating a voice for those Veterans who feel strongly about certain issues regarding foreign policy and deployment. 

3. Kamala Harris, California

Harris is the first black woman to represent California in the Senate and the second black woman to ever be elected into the Senate.

In an interview with Lenny Letter in 2015, she speaks about how she got involved with politics, “My parents got me proactive with Civil Rights. The lawyers who were the architects of the Civil-Rights Movement—Thurgood Marshall, Charles Houston and others—were who we learned from. I grew up in a community where that was expected. We were raised with a very strong sense of duty—not just obligation, but duty to serve.”  

4. Pramila Jayapal, Washington

Jayapal is the first Indian-American ever to be elected to congress. Elected by Seattle’s 7th Congressional District, Jayapal is also an immigrant with big dreams. After immigrating to the United States at the age of 16, she already was aspiring to change the world. 

5. Catherine Cortez Masto, Nevada

On Tuesday night, Catherine Cortez Masto made history by becoming the first Latina to ever be elected into the Senate. 

In announcing her congressional bid, she said “I’ve spent my life and career fighting to protect the families of Nevada. I care about the people of our state and that’s who I’ll be standing up for in the Senate.” 

6. Kate Brown, Oregon

Even though she has already served the position for a year, Brown is the first openly LGBT person to be elected as Governor. She has been an incredible advocate already, not just for the LGBT community, but for young people, women, and children. 

Brown has a great attitude toward her position and knows how much she can affect lives as Governor AND an LGBT advocate. Her inspiring demeanor is displayed in her interview with The Washington Blade, “If I can be a role model for one young person that decides their life is worth living because there’s someone like them in the world, it’s worth it.” 

We can do it!