Although the ultimate glass ceiling, the Presidency, was left in tact Tuesday night, three phenomenal and inspiring minority women were elected to Senate! This quadrupled the number of minority women in the Senate, taking it from one to four. Now, this is the most minority women who have been elected to Senate in our history. A true sign that progress is still alive within our nation and a definite cause for celebration. Let me introduce you to these extraordinary women!
Kamala Harris
After serving as California’s Attorney General since 2011, she is more than qualified to serve as a US Senator. Her victory makes her is the first Indian American to serve in the Senate. Harris also is only the second ever African-American woman elected to the chamber, following the first, Carol Moseley Braun, who was elected in 1993. Like Harris, Braun was also a lawyer. In addition, Harris is the first African-American politician to represent California in the Senate. She is deeply invested in protecting immigration and immigrant rights as well as an advocate for prison reform during her years as Attorney General. Not only is Harris breaking barriers but she also sets a tremendous example for young women everywhere. She told reporters that a lesson she wants to make sure her daughter knows is “if you are fortunate to have opportunity, it is your duty to make sure other people have those opportunities as well.” You go Kamala Harris!
Tammy Duckworth
An Asian-American Vietnam war veteran, who lost both her legs during her tour, defeat the incumbent republican senator to win her seat in Illinois. Duckworth worked for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and has served in the House of Representatives. She is dedicated to getting Veterans access to the healthcare they need, including visitation to private doctors. Duckworth also aims to be the voice of neglected soldiers on topics such as foreign policy and deployment.
Her goal is to restructure the way veteran’s receive help because she believes “we are all dishonored when a veteran sleeps in the same streets he or she has defended.” I salute you Tammy and believe you can catalyze change!
Catherine Cortez Masto
Cortez Masto is the first EVER Latina elected to the Senate! She is Nevada’s former Attorney General and ready to continue fighting for the families of Nevada at the Congressional level after beating out her opponent Joe Heck by a narrow margin. Many praised her win as the “silver-lining” for Latinos in this election season. In addition, she will be the first woman to represent Nevada in the Senate. Cortez Masto tweeted following her win that she was proud to represent her state and her country and that “it is about time our government mirrors the diversity of our nation.”
So proud of these strong, courageous and influential women to be representing us in the US Senate. We celebrate with you all and root for your success!
