These Women Won—And We Commend Them
This election season brought a whirlwind of emotions, and for many—especially women—the results stirred frustration and disillusionment. Despite a backdrop of polarizing outcomes, however, there’s a powerful reminder woven into the victories of remarkable women who triumphed against the odds. Their stories of resilience and purpose offer a renewed sense of hope in an often-divisive landscape. Here are six such women, each paving a new path forward.
2024-11-08 07:59:38 - Tress Galloway
Sarah McBride: Making History in Delaware’s House Seat
Sarah McBride’s win as Delaware’s sole representative in the U.S. House made her the first openly transgender person elected to this chamber of Congress. The 34-year-old trailblazer from Wilmington, already notable as the first openly transgender state senator in the U.S., has spent years pushing for policy changes close to her heart. During her time as a state senator, she fought for workers’ rights by advocating for a higher minimum wage and implementing paid family and medical leave. This historic victory is one she views through a modest lens: “I’m not running on my identity,” McBride stated recently, emphasizing that she’s here to serve the people, not break records.
Maggie Goodlander: A Champion for Reproductive Rights in New Hampshire
Maggie Goodlander, who ran for New Hampshire’s Second District, carries a deep-rooted political legacy, with her mother and grandfather having served as Republican politicians in the state. Her mother, Betty Tamposi, faced backlash in the 1980s with the slogan “A woman’s place is in the home, not in the House.” But Goodlander’s victory signifies a different reality. Married to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, she’s known for her advocacy around reproductive rights, a mission fueled by personal tragedy: Goodlander endured the loss of her son after struggling to obtain the medical care that could have saved him. Her experience drives her to fight for other women caught in the complex post-Roe landscape.
Jasmine Crockett: A Voice for Justice in Texas’s 30th District
Known for her sharp wit and memorable statements, Jasmine Crockett won reelection as the representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District. With her bold critiques of prominent figures, Crockett captured public attention beyond her legislative work on the Agriculture and Oversight committees. But her influence extends deeper: she’s inspired young people, particularly women of color, to envision themselves in leadership. “It’s about making an impact that resonates beyond policy,” Crockett shared, describing the pride she feels in helping the next generation see themselves reflected in government.
Lisa Blunt Rochester: Delaware’s First Black Female Senator
Lisa Blunt Rochester, a Philadelphia-born, Wilmington-raised advocate, has broken new ground as Delaware’s first Black female senator. With four terms as a congresswoman and experience on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Blunt Rochester’s expertise spans healthcare, energy policy, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Her vision is expansive: as the founder of the Congressional Future of Work Caucus, she’s committed to a dynamic, inclusive future. “It’s a blue state, but we vote blue, red, and purple,” she said during her campaign. “I am letting voters know that I want to represent everyone. If I go to the Senate, we all go.”
Angela Alsobrooks: Maryland’s First Black Senator
Angela Alsobrooks made history as Maryland’s first Black senator and only the third Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate. A lawyer and former prosecutor known for her work on domestic violence cases, Alsobrooks served two terms as Prince George’s County Executive before stepping into her new role. Her win reflects not only her drive but a commitment to protecting rights, especially in reproductive health. “My 19-year-old daughter should have at least as many rights as her mother and grandmother,” Alsobrooks asserted, demonstrating her fierce dedication to the rights of the next generation.
Pamela Goodwine: Trailblazer on Kentucky’s Supreme Court
Pamela Goodwine’s life has been marked by resilience, with each challenge only fueling her determination. As the first Black woman on Kentucky’s Supreme Court, and only the second Black justice in the state’s history, she has turned personal loss into professional passion. Raised in foster care, Goodwine gave up a college scholarship to care for her adoptive father, and later grappled with her own health struggles after developing Crohn’s disease. Her reputation for compassion and fairness on the bench is mirrored in her life off the bench, where she’s known affectionately as the “Jazzercise Judge,” a beloved exercise instructor to her community.
In the face of political shifts, these six women have delivered victories that serve as reminders of strength and resilience. Their accomplishments echo across communities, offering a spark of inspiration and showing us what’s possible when bold voices refuse to be silenced.