Last week was the opening of the 116th Congress, and it’s making history by breaking records and marking historic firsts!
Incredibly, the number of women in Congress is at a record high at 127, with more than 100 women sworn into the Democratic side. Unfortunately, the number of women on the Republican’s side declined after the recent midterm elections.
However, it hasn’t stopped there for beaten records, as the Congress has also seen an increase in the number of those who are African-American, Latino, Asian-American, and a part of the LGBT+ community. It also represents more religious diversity (including Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists) than ever before.
A look at some of the many historic firsts…
- Ayanna Pressley and Jahana Hayes became the first African-American women to represent their states in Congress.
- Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American to serve, and with Rashida Tlaib, is one of the first Muslim women in Congress.
- Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia also made history as Texas’ first Latino lawmakers.
- Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids became the first Native American women ever elected to Congress.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman elected to Congress.
and finally,
- Nancy Pelosi is the first and only woman to hold the role of Speaker of the House and to retake the gavel for a second time.
Congratulations to all the diverse leaders who have been sworn into Congress, especially to all the incredible Congresswomen, who will help build a brighter future and inspire many others.
#thefutureisfemale #116thCongress
