In the U.S. midterm elections held on November 3, candidates representing a diverse array of races, genders, religions, and sexual orientations emerged from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The Associated Press reported that several historic firsts could reshape American political history.
First Black Woman Governor Candidate in U.S. History
According to reports, Deb Haaland, a Democratic candidate running for governor of New Mexico, aims to become the first Indigenous woman governor in the United States. Previously, only two Indigenous governors have been elected, both of whom were men from Oklahoma.
Haaland made history in 2018 as one of the first Indigenous women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She later served as Secretary of the Interior under the Biden administration, becoming the first Indigenous cabinet member.
In Alaska, Mary Peltola, a Democrat from the Yupik tribe, is vying to become the first Indigenous woman senator. Peltola was elected to the U.S. House in 2022, marking the first time an Indigenous person from Alaska held that position. She is competing against incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.
Peggy Flanagan, a Democrat and former lieutenant governor from Minnesota, is also running for the Senate. If elected, she would become the first Indigenous woman senator.
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms from Georgia and Republican Lisa Demuth from Minnesota are both candidates for the historic position of the first Black woman governor. No Black woman has held this office in the U.S. in nearly 250 years since the country's founding.
Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta, is competing against billionaire businessman Rick Jackson for the governorship. If elected, she would also be the first person of color to serve as governor of Georgia, where all 83 previous governors have been white men.
Muslim and LGBTQ Candidates Running, Nearly 300 Women in Congress Races
In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed could become the first Muslim senator if he wins. The AP noted that El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, is in a tight race against Republican Mike Rogers, making his victory uncertain.
Throughout his campaign, El-Sayed faced accusations from Republican figures questioning his American identity and alleging support for terrorism. Former President Donald Trump labeled him as 'dangerously radical' and accused him of being linked to jihadists and the Muslim Brotherhood.
El-Sayed and his supporters have criticized these attacks as Islamophobic and a racist infringement on religious freedom.
In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas, a sitting congressman, is running for the Senate and could become the first openly gay man elected to that position. Pappas made history in 2018 as the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. House.
Additionally, seven Black candidates are competing for governorships in states including Georgia, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin, Nevada, South Carolina, and Michigan, with the potential for new Black governors. Only three Black governors have been elected in the U.S. since its founding.
The number of women candidates is also at a record level. According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, 19 women from the Democratic Party are running for governor, an increase from 2022. The Republican Party has seven women candidates for governor. Approximately 300 women, including incumbents, are running for federal congressional seats.
Three Korean American Candidates Signal Potential Wins in House Elections
Meanwhile, five Korean American politicians are running for federal House and gubernatorial elections. Democratic candidates Dave Min, Marilyn Strickland, and Dan Koh are expected to have strong chances of winning in Democratic-leaning districts. Min and Strickland are seeking re-election in California and Washington, respectively, while Koh is running for the House for the first time in Massachusetts.
Republican Young Kim is also running for re-election in California. Democratic candidate Cindy Munson is contesting the gubernatorial race in Oklahoma, but her prospects appear challenging.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.