New coalition to be reckoned with

Nick Campbell, @nicky_charles

In what seemed like an election that would never arrive, the 2018 midterm elections are finally in the books. It was anti-climatic as the Democratic Party took control of the House of Representatives as predicted. The Republicans maintained control of the Senate as predicted as well. As the political pundits begin to dissect and analyze the results, the election turned out to be historic.

In what could be billed as a night of firsts, many women from all walks of life have emerged victorious in their congressional races. We are witness to two Muslim women, two Native Americans, two black women being the first congresswoman in their respective states, a black Attorney General in New York and also from New York the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Results are still pending in Georgia where Stacey Abrams could possibly make history as the first black woman to be Governor in the state of Georgia.

So while the election dust settles, what’s clear is that history has been made across the country. This massive coalition built with women of color, youth and LGBTQ people is not only reflective of America’s true diversity, but will also be a thorn in the Trump administration’s oppressive plans. While these accomplishments are rightfully celebrated, it also highlights the importance of making your voice heard by voting.

So many before us have given their lives and their freedom for us to have the right to vote. Voter suppression has been a big problem across the country. With a Democratic majority in the House, there may be hope for legislation to end voter suppression. But with the Senate in GOP control, the main beneficiaries of voter suppression, there is still more work to be done. No political analysis is needed to see that this new coalition in Congress will be a force to be reckoned with.