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Remarkable firsts that could make history on Election Day


Remarkable firsts that could make history on Election Day

The stage is set for a historic election in 2024: Vice President Kamala Harris could be the first female president and the first president of South Asian descent, while former President Donald Trump could be only the second president to win non-consecutive terms, and also the first president convicted of a crime.

Another historic first if Harris wins the White House: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff could make history as the country's first First Gentleman and first Jewish spouse of a president.

But the roundup of notable “firsts” isn’t just limited to the presidential candidacy. In fact, there are a wealth of other historical innovations that could arise from various branches of this year's federal election. Here are some of the highlights, but this list is by no means exhaustive:

The Capitol is seen from Pennsylvania Avenue on November 5, 2024.

Jon Elswick/AP

US Senate

Republican Nella Domenici of New Mexico, Republican Patricia Morgan of Rhode Island and Democrat Caroline Gleich of Utah could become the first women to represent their respective states in the U.S. Senate.

If elected, Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Democrat Valerie McCray of Indiana would be the first women and the first Black women to represent their respective states in the Senate. Back in 2017, Rochester made history as the first woman in Delaware and the first representative in the Black House.

Democrat Angela Alsobrooks could become Maryland's first black senator. A victory by her opponent, former Gov. Larry Hogan, would be the first time in nearly four decades that a Republican won a Maryland Senate seat.

Republican Bernie Moreno could also become Ohio's first Hispanic state official and first South American-born senator, and Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell could become Florida's first Latina senator.

House of Representatives

With all 435 seats in the House of Representatives up for grabs, there are plenty of opportunities to make history among House candidates.

This election could pave the way for LGBTQ+ history in Congress. Sarah McBride, who is running for congressional seat in Delaware, could become the first openly transgender member of Congress. McBride was also the first openly transgender person to work in the White House, speak at the Democratic National Convention and become a Delaware state senator.

Democrat Emily Randall, who became Washington's first female LGBTQ senator in 2018, could become the first LGBTQ Latina to serve in Congress, and Democrat Julie Johnson of Texas could become the first openly gay representative from the South.

Sarah McBride, Democratic candidate for Delaware's at-large congressional district, arrives to vote at Immanuel Highlands Episcopal Church on Election Day, November 5, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware.

Pamela Smith/AP

House elections also provide an opportunity for other minorities to gain representation in Congress for the first time, particularly among women.

Democrat Janelle Bynum of Oregon, Republican Charlotte Bergmann of Tennessee and Democrat Dianne Dodson Black of Mississippi could become the first Black women to represent their respective states in Congress.

Black would also be the first woman ever to represent Mississippi in Congress. Additionally, Republican Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota and Democrat Kyle Cameron of Wyoming could become the first women to represent their respective states in the House of Representatives.

Democrat Marcy Kaptur of Ohio is currently the longest-serving woman in congressional history and hopes to continue that legacy in her 22nd term.

There could also be historic firsts with Asian American representation. Republican Lily Tang Williams of New Hampshire and Republican May Lor Xiong of Minnesota could become the first Asian American/Pacific Islander women to represent their state in Congress.

Democrat Derek Tran could also become the first Vietnamese member of Congress from California, Democrat Amish Shah could become the first Asian and Indian American from Arizona in Congress and Democrat Lanon Baccam could be the first Asian American to represent Iowa in Congress.

If elected, Democrat Sarah Freeman of Tennessee and Democrat Madison Horn of Oklahoma would be the first Native American women to represent their respective states in Congress.

Additionally, Democrat Nellie Pou could be the first Hispanic woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, and Democrat Tony Vargas could be the first Latino from Nebraska in Congress.

Democrat Maryam Abolfazli of Tennessee and Republican Dalia Al-Aqidi of Minnesota could become the first women from the Middle East and North Africa elected to Congress in their respective states.

Democrat Monica Tranel, who competed in rowing at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, could become the first Olympian to serve in Congress.

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