The November 7, 2017 election marked so many historic moments for the United States democracy. The Democratic Party won a number of races across the country in Tuesday’s elections, securing key state legislative seats and governorships. One of the biggest upsets was in the state of Virginia, and this election marked the biggest win for Virginia Democrats since 1991.
The night was validation for so many in the DNC (Democratic National Convention) around the country who joined the resistance after Trump's win last November. There's really no doubt that this election will come as a breath of fresh air in the 2018 season.
“Today’s progressive victories in Virginia make one thing clear: A newly awakened grassroots movement is rising up to reject Trump’s politics of hate and reclaim political power,” said Maria Urbina, the political director of the progressive Indivisible movement.
While Republicans have failed to pass even one item on their legislative agenda in Trump’s first year in office, Democrats have been organizing down to the precinct level around the country, as they learned to do during the two presidential campaigns of Barack Obama, the first community organizer to become the leader of the free world.
Although Trump has worked consistently to erase the glowing legacy of America’s first black president, Obama’s legacy is erasing him. Here are just some of the Democrats who claimed victory in the elections. For a complete list, click here.
Danica Roem
Virginia Democrat, Danica Roem, made history as the state of Virginia's first openly transgender state lawmaker. She defeated anti-LGBTQ+ lawmaker, Bob Marshall (R), who introduced the “bathroom bill” that would have prohibited transgender students from using the bathroom of their choice.
"This is a victory for Danica and all transgender Americans," Mora told BuzzFeed News Tuesday night. "Hate groups did what they always do — they attempted to frighten and distract voters. But this time, they met a candidate who would not give up and, for the first time in history, a national trans PAC with the faith, resolve, savvy and resources to stand with her.”
The largest city in New Hampshire just elected its first woman as mayor. Joyce Craig will be the first woman in the Manchester’s long 266-year history to serve as mayor.
Ravinder Bhalla
A small town called Hoboken, New Jersey, elected Ravinder Bhalla as its mayor, which will make him the first Sikh American to be elected mayor of the city. The week previous, he was the target of racist flyers that showed a picture of him along with the words “Don’t let terrorism take over our town!” plastered above him. Change is out there. Don't give up.
Kathy Tran
Kathy Tran was a refugee from Vietnam and came to the United States when she was just a baby. After the election, she became the first Asian American woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
This a just a taste of all the great leaders our country elected. The Democratic Party is coming for blood, and we will not let Trump's Hate get us down. So watch out Trump and the GOP, Democrats are here and we aren't messing around.
As a member of the Democratic Party, I urge every single one of you to get out and vote. Your voice can make a difference in our country, and there is change to be made. Congratulations to all those elected! We expect great things from all of you!