the light of the midterms
Despite a few disappointments in last night’s midterm results, I’m finding hope and light in the following:
My friend Lizzie Pannill Fletcher defeated incumbent John Culberson to win the Texas district 7 Congressional seat — the first time a Democrat has held the seat in over 50 years. I live in Lizzie’s district, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her represent our family in Washington. It was her first time running for office, and she killed it. So happy.
Speaking of women running for office, do you guys remember that adorable Teacher of the Year who got all flustered when she introduced President Obama, back in 2016? Well, that woman is Jahana Hayes, and last night, she became the first black woman to represent the state of Connecticut in Congress. She grew up in the projects, was a teenage mom, and despite these hurdles, went on to become a freaking rockstar. Here are some highlights from when she was made Teacher of the Year. Hers was the only out-of-state campaign I donated to. She is made from joy and light, and she gives me all kinds of hope. I’m thrilled she won.
And speaking of groundbreaking women, a record number of women will hold United States congressional seats in 2019, and a record number of THEM will be women of colour. Two are Muslim. Two are Native American. Texas is sending its first two Hispanic women representatives to Congress. This is all amazing.
So, if you look for it, there was blinding light last night, in the form of amazing diversity (I didn’t even get to the prominent LGBTQ candidates who made history). This is all incredible news for this country, because as I've always maintained, diversity and inclusion are the birthplace of innovation and creativity, and frankly, that includes government. So while last night might not have represented the giant leap many of us were praying for, make no mistake — it’s a solid stride in the right direction.
Onward.
Soundtrack: Love make the world go round by Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda