A series of Democratic victories across the United States on Tuesday resulted in several historic firsts, breaking barriers in state and local offices.
In Virginia, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger was elected as the state’s first female governor, securing over 57 percent of the vote. In her victory speech, she highlighted the milestone, noting her husband could now tell their children their mother would be governor.
The state also saw Ghazala Hashmi become the first Muslim American woman elected to statewide office in the nation, winning the race for lieutenant governor. Hashmi reflected on her journey from arriving in the U.S. as a child to making history, crediting the opportunities available in the country.
New York City elected its first Muslim mayor, progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani. The 34-year-old overcame opposition during his campaign to secure the position, which is now the highest executive office held by a Muslim in the country.
In Detroit, City Council President Mary Sheffield was elected as the city’s first female mayor, winning by a significant margin. She described the victory as a clear mandate from the city’s residents.
Voters in Somerville, Massachusetts, passed a non-binding ballot measure to become the first U.S. municipality to vote in favor of divesting from Israel, though the newly elected mayor has not supported the proposal.
Meanwhile, California voters approved a proposition making it the first state to formally counter redistricting efforts by Texas and other Republican-led states ahead of the midterm elections. The measure passed decisively.