The US Election May Not Be Over Yet, but These Inspiring Women Made History Tonight

With a record number of mail-in ballots submitted across the United States for the 2020 presidential election [1], official results may not be announced for days or weeks to come [2]. As the nation patiently awaits the final results [3], newly elected state officials from coast to coast have already made history. In Delaware, on 3 Nov., Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender state senator [4] — making her the highest-ranking trans official in US history — and Daniella Levine Cava became the first woman mayor of Miami-Dade County [5] in Florida. As results continue to be announced, women officials from all backgrounds are rising to positions of power. Keep reading to see all of the impressive women who have made their mark on the 2020 election.

Michele Rayner-Goolsby Becomes the First Black LGBTQ+ Woman to Serve on Florida's State Legislature

Michele Rayner-Goolsby has become the first Black LGBTQ+ woman [7] in the Florida State Legislature, representing District 35.

Cori Bush Becomes the First Black Woman to Represent Missouri in Congress

On Nov. 3, Cori Bush became Missouri's first Black congresswoman [8], defeating Republican candidate Anthony Rogers and Libertarian candidate Alex Furman in the general election. "This has been a historic day from the beginning to the end," Bush said during her acceptance speech. "This is definitely a night to remember." She will represent Missouri's first congressional district.

Sarah McBride Makes History as the First Openly Transgender State Senator

In Delaware, Sarah McBride has made history as the first openly transgender state senator. Additionally, McBride — who represents the state's first district — is now the country's highest-ranking transgender elected official. "I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too," McBride said in a tweet [9] on Nov. 3.

Daniella Levine Cava Becomes the First Woman Mayor of Miami-Dade County

Daniella Levine Cava has also made history after she was elected as the first woman mayor of Miami-Dade County, FL, on Nov. 3. "There's no place in the world like Miami-Dade. I'm honoured to be the next Mayor of such a vibrant and special place," Levine Cava said in a tweet [10].

Nida Allam Becomes First Muslim-American Woman Elected as a North Carolina Official

Nida Allam made history on Nov. 3 [11] when she became the first Muslim-American woman to be elected to office in North Carolina. "People of Durham you made history last night by electing me as the FIRST Muslim Woman to serve the state of North Carolina," Allam said in a tweet [12]. "I can't even express how grateful I am to have earned your trust and support."

Kim Jackson Becomes Georgia's First Openly LGBTQ+ State Senator

Kim Jackson became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Georgia State Senate. Jackson will represent District 41 [13].

Taylor Small Becomes the First Openly Transgender Official to Serve on Vermont's State Legislature

On Nov. 3, Taylor Small became the first openly transgender person elected [14] to the Vermont State Legislature, making her the fifth transgender lawmaker in the nation.

Brianna Henries Becomes Rhode Island's First Native American Congresswoman

Brianna Henries made history on Nov. 3 when she won Rhode Island's election [15] for representative of District 64, making her the first Native American woman elected to the state's General Assembly.

Stephanie Byers Becomes the First Openly Transgender Official on Kansas's State Legislature

Stephanie Byers has become the first openly transgender person elected to the Kansas State Legislature [16]. Byers, who is a member of the Native American Chickasaw Nation [17], is also the first Indigenous transgender person elected to any state legislature.

POPSUGAR UK