The 116th US Congress is officially sworn in, and it looks a little different this year. A record number of women — 125, to be exact — hold seats in Congress, and they're making a major wave of representation. The newly elected group of leaders includes the first two Muslim women in Congress, the first Native American women in Congress, and the first black congresswomen for several states. On Jan. 3, the swearing-in ceremony took place on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, and you can feel the powerful moments through the poignant photographs. See inspirational photos of just some of the women making changes ahead, and then read up on how they can really affect politics for the better.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 29, took the oath during the first session of the 116th Congress at the US Capitol.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez retweeted a video that captured how excited Capitol workers were to see her entering Congress.
Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar became the first woman to wear a hijab in Congress when she participated in the swearing-in ceremony with Nancy Pelosi.
Omar tweeted an emotional moment showcasing how far she's come.
Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib wore a traditional Palestinian robe while taking the oath of office.
Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally became Arizona's first two female senators.
Lauren Underwood, 32, is the youngest black woman to serve in the House.
"New Mexicans are in the house. The US House that is," Deb Haaland tweeted on Thursday.
Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids, and Barbara Lee pose with a group of kids at the congressional ceremony.
Jahana Hayes is a woman after our own hearts — she figured out "where the snacks are."
Ayanna Pressley also made history, as she was sworn in as the first black congresswoman to represent Massachusetts. "I came here to legislate, and I'm excited to do that," she told Boston's WBGH.
Veronica Escobar of El Paso, TX, shared a sweet photo with her husband during the ceremony.
Escobar shared how excited she is to represent her community.
New Congress member Sylvia Garcia also shared her proud moment on Twitter.
Annie Kuster, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Barbara Lee, Jahana Hayes, Lauren Underwood, and Sheila Jackson-Lee sat together at the ceremony for a photo opp.
Santa Clarita, CA, Representative Katie Hill shared her historic day with her mom.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jahana Hayes, and Annie Kuster chatted together.
Sheila Jackson Lee and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez snapped a selfie.