There were major wins for black politicians last night. Here are a few people who won seats in the federal, state and local government. Let’s celebrate them!
1. Kamala Harris
Harris won her U.S. Senate seat, becoming the second black woman to ever be elected to Congress. Breaking barriers isn’t something new for her. She was the first black, first Asian-American and first female to serve as the Attorney General for the State of California.
2. Brenda Lawrence
Lawrence won her second term in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 14th district in Michigan.
3. Alma Adams
Adams will return to Capitol Hill to serve her second term in the House to represent the 12th district in North Carolina.
4. Val Demings
The former Orlando police chief defeated her Republican challenger with a whopping 66 percent of the vote.
5. Kim Foxx
Foxx is now the Cook County State Attorney. Cook County is where the City of Chicago plays out its fair share of issues. She is the first black person to win this office, which prosecutes criminals and defends the county against civil litigation.
6. IIhan Omar
Omar moved to the United States at the age of 12 after escaping the Somali Civil War and living in a Kenyan refugee camp for four years. The 34-year-old has now become the first Somali-American female legislator. She will serve in Minnesota’s state legislature.
7. Catherine Pugh
This former State Senator beat out former Baltimore City Mayor, Sheila Dixon, to become the 50th mayor of Baltimore. She is the third consecutive female mayor.
8. Michael Tubbs
The 26-year-old city councilman will now be the first black and youngest mayor of Stockton.
9. Cedric Richmond
Congressman Richmond was re-elected as U.S. Representative for the 2nd district of Louisiana. This will be his fourth term in office.
10. Hank Johnson
Johnson has served as member of the house since 2007. With his landslide victory, he will enter his sixth term to represent the 4th district of Georgia.
11. Brandon Scott
In 2011, Councilman Scott became the youngest elected city council member in Baltimore. He won over the residents of the 2nd district to serve them for another term.
12. Sasha Love Higgins
Higgins ran for the only contested council seat in Lexington, Kentucky. She pulled off a win and will represent the 2nd district in city council.
13. Vanessa Hall- Harper
Hall-Harper beat out the incumbent to secure her seat on the Tulsa city council serving district 1.
14. Mike Morgan
In North Carolina, Morgan defeated longtime Judge Bob Edmonds to give the NC Supreme Court a Democratic majority.
There are many more black politicians who pulled a win Tuesday night. This list is a reminder that we still have power and voices in high places fighting for us and looking like us. All of these individuals started in local government. Local elections are important. They are the breeding ground for the national stage. Winners like these listed who serve in state and local government help to influence laws that directly affect you. Donald Trump isn’t in control of trash pick-up or your local recreation center, but your city and state officials have the power to address these things. We should be proud of everyone on this list and those who aren’t listed. These individuals are the epitome of # BlackExcellence and spread #BlackJoy.
Know of any other black politicians who got a victory last night? Let us know in the comments.
