Progressives everywhere have plenty of reasons to celebrate now that a blue wave has rolled across the United States and returned control of the House of Representatives to the Democratic Party. One of the most notable changes that the recent midterm elections ushered in is going relatively unnoticed, however, and warrants further investigation. That trend, of course, is that the new 116th Congress will be the most diverse in American history, and stands to benefit the left’s efforts to build a more equitable nation for everyone.
Here’s how the recent elections changed congress, and why that’s such good news for American progressives everywhere.
Women and minorities are heading to the House
Historically speaking, the bicameral legislatures of the United States Congress have never been equitable nor representative; for the vast majority of this country’s history, we’ve been solidly ruled by older, conservative, White men. The 116th Congress is still overwhelmingly skewed in favor of this group, but it’s more diverse and representative than any to ever come before it. In the state of Texas, for instance, two Latinas are going to Congress for the first time, despite the fact that Hispanics have been a historically populous minority in that area.
2018 was rightfully called the “year of the women” in tight congressional races because so many female candidates are now flocking towards the House, too. While we’re still a far way off from gender equality in American governance, the Democratic majority in the House will include more women than ever before, including some exciting young guns like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected. This is fantastic for a progressive agenda and will lead to a cabinet refacing, because while the GOP-controlled Senate may attempt to stall progressive initiatives the solidly-diverse House will keep pushing through bills that are representative of what real Americans want.
Religious diversity is beginning to grow in the house, too; this year’s midterms gave us our first Muslim female ever elected to Congress, for instance. More and more, our country’s legislative chambers are starting to visually, ideologically, and demographically match the people they’re supposed to represent. This trend will only continue if progressives get out and vote in future elections, however.
There’s little doubt that President Trump and his GOP cronies will try to downplay the Democratic Party’s historic gains in this election. Ultimately, the share of the popular vote House Democratic candidates received this year will likely eclipse the share they got in the past. It’s imperative progressives everywhere understand this, and don’t allow that fact to get lost in President Trump’s ceaseless noise. We have plenty of reasons to be optimistic in the United States of America despite President Trump’s continued tenure; the 116th Congress, for instance, demonstrates that our country is rapidly becoming more equal and truly embracing multiculturalism. When it comes to thrashing the GOP’s abhorrent agenda and sending President Trump packing in 2020, progressives everywhere will soon find themselves turning to their new Congress for inspiration and guidance.
