The Election May Not Be Over Yet, but These Inspiring Women Have Already Made History

Published on 11/4/2020 at 2:44 AM

With a record number of mail-in ballots submitted across the country for the 2020 presidential election, official results may not be announced for days or weeks to come. As the nation patiently awaits the final results, newly elected state officials from coast to coast have already made history. In Delaware, on Nov. 3, Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender state senator — making her the highest-ranking trans official in US history — and Daniella Levine Cava became the first woman mayor of Miami-Dade County in Florida. As results continue to be announced, women officials from all backgrounds are rising to positions of power. Keep reading to see all of the impressive women who have made their mark on the 2020 election.

Michele Rayner-Goolsby Becomes the First Black LGBTQ+ Woman to Serve on Florida's State Legislature

Michele Rayner-Goolsby has become the first Black LGBTQ+ woman in the Florida State Legislature, representing District 35.

Cori Bush Becomes the First Black Woman to Represent Missouri in Congress

On Nov. 3, Cori Bush became Missouri's first Black congresswoman, defeating Republican candidate Anthony Rogers and Libertarian candidate Alex Furman in the general election. "This has been a historic day from the beginning to the end," Bush said during her acceptance speech. "This is definitely a night to remember." She will represent Missouri's first congressional district.

Sarah McBride Makes History as the First Openly Transgender State Senator

In Delaware, Sarah McBride has made history as the first openly transgender state senator. Additionally, McBride — who represents the state's first district — is now the country's highest-ranking transgender elected official. "I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too," McBride said in a tweet on Nov. 3.

Daniella Levine Cava Becomes the First Woman Mayor of Miami-Dade County

Daniella Levine Cava has also made history after she was elected as the first woman mayor of Miami-Dade County, FL, on Nov. 3. "There's no place in the world like Miami-Dade. I'm honored to be the next Mayor of such a vibrant and special place," Levine Cava said in a tweet.

Nida Allam Becomes the First Muslim-American Woman Elected as a North Carolina Official

Nida Allam made history on Nov. 3 when she became the first Muslim-American woman to be elected to office in North Carolina. "People of Durham you made history last night by electing me as the FIRST Muslim Woman to serve the state of North Carolina," Allam said in a tweet. "I can't even express how grateful I am to have earned your trust and support."

Kim Jackson Becomes Georgia's First Openly LGBTQ+ State Senator

Kim Jackson became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Georgia State Senate. Jackson will represent District 41.

Taylor Small Becomes the First Openly Transgender Official to Serve on Vermont's State Legislature

On Nov. 3, Taylor Small became the first openly transgender person elected to the Vermont State Legislature, making her the fifth transgender lawmaker in the nation.

Brianna Henries Becomes Rhode Island's First Native American Congresswoman

Brianna Henries made history on Nov. 3 when she won Rhode Island's election for representative of District 64, making her the first Native American woman elected to the state's General Assembly.

Stephanie Byers Becomes the First Openly Transgender Official on Kansas's State Legislature

Stephanie Byers has become the first openly transgender person elected to the Kansas State Legislature. Byers, who is a member of the Native American Chickasaw Nation, is also the first Indigenous transgender person elected to any state legislature.

Mauree Turner Becomes First Non-Binary State Lawmaker and First Muslim Lawmaker in Oklahoma

Mauree Turner was elected to Oklahoma's state House, making her the first Muslim to serve on the state's legislature and one of the first openly non-binary lawmakers in America. "Y'all I can honestly say I never expected this when we started out," Turner said in a Facebook post on Nov. 3. "I have a lot of feelings about tonight. But overall, I'm grateful for HD88 granting me this opportunity. I hate SQ805 & so many other things slipped through Oklahoma's fingers . . . But I'm ready to fight hard as hell so they never do again.

Madinah Wilson-Anton Become the First Muslim Elected to the Delaware State Legislature

In Delaware, Madinah Wilson-Anton made history as the first Muslim elected to the state legislature. "We did it!! Thank you so much to every voter, supporter, grassroots donor and loved ones who made today possible. Alhamdulillah," she said in a tweet on Nov. 3.

Iman Jodeh Becomes the First Muslim Lawmaker in Colorado

Iman Jodeh won the election for the Colorado House of Representatives, making her the first Muslim lawmaker in the state's history. "We did it! I ran to make the #AmericanDream a reality for Everyone," Jodeh said in a tweet on Nov. 3. "I am a proud #Muslim, #PalestinianAmerican, & #firstgeneration American. And I am proud to be able to represent my communities & the people of #hd41 in the #Colorado state legislature! Now, let's get to work."

Teresa Leger Fernandez Becomes First Latina, First Woman to Hold Office in New Mexico in 30 Years

After winning New Mexico's third congressional district race on Nov. 3, Teresa Leger Fernandez has become the first Latinx person and the first woman to hold office in New Mexico since 1983. "With this victory, I promise you I will take the courageous action that this historic moment demands. Muchísimas gracias!" Leger Fernandez said on Instagram.

Amy Mercado Becomes the First Latinx Woman Elected as Orange County Property Appraiser

Amy Mercado was elected the Orange County Property Appraiser in Central Florida on Nov. 3, making her the first Latinx woman to hold the position. "Thank you, Orange County!" she said in a tweet.

Charmaine McGuffey Becomes the First LGBTQ+ Woman Sheriff in Hamilton County, OH

After allegedly being fired by her former boss because of her gender and sexual orientation, Charmaine McGuffey, who is openly a lesbian, ran against him and won. McGuffey is now the first LGBTQ+ sheriff and the first woman sheriff in Hamilton County, OH.

Kristin Graziano Become the First LGBTQ+ Woman Sheriff in Charleston County, SC

In South Carolina, Kristin Graziano unseated the longtime incumbent Al Cannon — who has been in office since 1988 — making her the first woman sheriff and first LGBTQ+ sheriff in her state. "We did it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she said in a tweet on Nov. 3.

Marilyn Strickland Becomes First Black Member of Congress From the Pacific Northwest

After winning the race for Washington's 10th Congressional District, Marilyn Strickland became the first Black member of Congress from the Pacific Northwest. Strickland, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, also became the first Korean-American woman to earn a spot in the legislative body. "Thank you — to the voters of the 10th district for helping us make history last night, and to our supporters who have been with us on this journey," Strickland said in a tweet on Nov.3. "I am humbled by these results, and I look forward to working for our communities everyday in Congress. Let's get to work!"