15+ Powerful Photos of Women Making History as They're Sworn In to the 116th Congress

Updated on 1/4/2019 at 9:30 AM

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: The Youngest Woman Ever Elected to Congress

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.

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib: The First Muslim Women in 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.

Ilhan Omar

Omar tweeted an emotional moment showcasing how far she's come.

Rashida Tlaib

Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib wore a traditional Palestinian robe while taking the oath of office.

Kyrsten Sinema: The First Openly Bisexual Person Elected to the Senate

Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally became Arizona's first two female senators.

Lauren Underwood: The Youngest Black Woman in Congress

Lauren Underwood, 32, is the youngest black woman to serve in the House.

Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids: The First Native American Women in Congress

"New Mexicans are in the house. The US House that is," Deb Haaland tweeted on Thursday.

Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids

Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids, and Barbara Lee pose with a group of kids at the congressional ceremony.

Jahana Hayes: Connecticut's First Black Congresswoman

Jahana Hayes is a woman after our own hearts — she figured out "where the snacks are."

Ayanna Pressley: Massachusetts's First Black Congresswoman

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 and Sylvia Garcia: Texas's First Latina Congresswomen

Veronica Escobar of El Paso, TX, shared a sweet photo with her husband during the ceremony.

Veronica Escobar

Escobar shared how excited she is to represent her community.

Sylvia Garcia

New Congress member Sylvia Garcia also shared her proud moment on Twitter.

More Photos From the Swearing-In Ceremony

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.