Midterm voters could elect a wave of historic firsts across the country
Races could produce the first Native American woman governor, the first Black woman governor and the first Muslim U.S. senator.
Voters cast ballots Tuesday, Nov. 3, in elections with one of the most diverse fields of Democratic and Republican candidates in recent years. Several races could produce historic firsts. In New Mexico, Democrat Deb Haaland could become the first Native American woman governor.
In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola, and in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, could become the first Native women senators. In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, and in Minnesota, Republican Lisa Demuth, could become the first Black woman governor of any state. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed could become the first Muslim U.S. senator.
In New Hampshire, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas could become the first openly gay man in the . Most of these candidates are Democrats, but Republicans could also break ground. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is projected to win re-election, and the country could gain seven more Black governors.
The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University counts nearly 300 women running for the Senate and House. Time reports a record 26 women are running for governor.
- 26 women vying for governor posts, per Rutgers' Center for American Women and Politics — Time
- Nearly 300 women, including incumbents, running for the U.S. Senate and House, per Rutgers — The Boston Globe
- more than $11 billion political ad spending expected this cycle, per AdImpact — Time
- seven more Black governors the U.S. could gain overnight, from three in its history — The Boston Globe
- 19 Democratic women running for governor, per Rutgers — The Boston Globe
Three sides of the story
Liberal3 outlets
candidates who could break barriers, plus the backdrop
The Boston Globe runs the Associated Press report under the headline "Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country," and goes race by race. It quotes Alexis Anderson-Reed of State Voices saying the firsts "show how our country is changing," and Haaland's line "somebody has to be the first." It reports that Trump has called El-Sayed "dangerously radical" and that El-Sayed and his supporters call the attacks Islamophobic or racist.
Time, in "10 Candidates Who Could Make History in the Midterms," opens with the cycle itself: more than $11 billion in expected ad spending, redrawn and what it calls a historically low approval rating for Trump. Its list adds Hakeem Jeffries as a possible first Black if an anticipated "blue wave" gives Democrats the majority. It also gives poll standings: El-Sayed and Pappas lead, most forecasters rate Georgia a , and a recent poll shows Cyndi Munson trailing in Oklahoma.
Center1 outlet
a race-by-race guide to possible firsts
The Seattle Times carries the Associated Press report headlined "Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country." It opens with the diversity of the field, then moves through headings such as "First Muslim U.S. senator" and "First Black governors." Anderson-Reed of State Voices is quoted on what the wins mean.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore calls the number of Black gubernatorial contenders "a unique moment" and says it is not "an applause line" but a challenge. Pappas says, "I'm not running to make history." The report gives Rutgers' counts of 19 Democratic and seven Republican women running for governor and nearly 300 women running for Senate and House.
It notes that Minnesota and Tennessee will elect their first female governors. It adds that Illinois would become the first state with two female senators of color if Juliana Stratton wins.
Conservative1 outlet
a diverse midterm field and possible historic firsts
The Washington Times carries a report titled "Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country." Its opening line points to a candidate field among the most varied in recent years, with both Democrats and Republicans on the ballot, and says that variety could produce a string of leadership milestones nationwide.
- The Washington Times: Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country
Which side made the stronger case?
All sources: 5 articles from 5 outlets
Liberal (3)
- The Boston Globe: Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country
- Time: 10 Candidates Who Could Make History in the Midterms
- Yahoo News: Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts across U.S.
Center (1)
Conservative (1)
- The Washington Times: Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country
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