--- description: These are the 2018 midterm election candidates who made history when it comes to race, gender and LGBTQ representation in Congress. title: These Candidates Made History in the 2018 Midterms image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9a7e83f44ac7d820/69893e77db2987a876261205/jared-polis-historic-candidates.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Politics](/section/politics/) ## Politics Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [2018 midterms](/tag/2018-midterms/) ## 2018 midterms Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # These Candidates Made History in the 2018 Midterms ## Video: 2018 Midterm Elections Could Shift Power [Watch (HLS stream): 2018 Midterm Elections Could Shift Power](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/FTuOXmCB.m3u8) (3:59)  _Published 2018-10-24. With the possibility of a flip of the House and candidates set to make history, voter enthusiasm builds leading up to the midterm elections._  by [Samantha Cooney](/author/samantha-cooney/)  ## Samantha Cooney Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Updated: Dec 12, 2023 5:38 PM CUTPublished: Oct 23, 2018 3:25 PM CUT  Democratic Colorado Governor-elect Jared Polis arrives onstage with running mate Dianne Primavera on November 6, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. Democratic Colorado Governor-elect Jared Polis arrives onstage with running mate Dianne Primavera on November 6, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.Rick T. Wilking—Getty Images  by [Samantha Cooney](/author/samantha-cooney/)  ## Samantha Cooney Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Updated: Dec 12, 2023 5:38 PM CUTPublished: Oct 23, 2018 3:25 PM CUT [Women](http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/women-us-congress-2018 "undefined"), [minorities](http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/01/24/115th-congress-sets-new-high-for-racial-ethnic-diversity/ "undefined") and [LGBTQ individuals](https://www.thedailybeast.com/america-needs-another-21307-lgbt-elected-officials-to-achieve-true-equality "undefined") are still underrepresented in U.S. government. But the [2018 midterm elections](http://time.com/5379463/midterm-elections-voter-roll-purging/ "undefined") made some headway toward achieving equality for those groups. Democrat Jared Polis became the first openly gay man elected governor after winning Colorado’s gubernatorial election. Democrat Sharice Davids [became the first Native American woman elected](http://time.com/5446593/sharice-davids-deb-haaland-first-native-american-woman-congress/ "undefined") to Congress. Republican [Marsha Blackburn became the first female senator from Tennessee.](http://time.com/5445358/marsha-blackburn-tennessee-midterms-results/ "undefined") Republican Kristi Noem became South Dakota’s first female governor. Other candidates who could have possibly made history fell short. Democratic Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, who would have become Florida’s first black governor, [lost to Republican Ron DeSantis](http://time.com/5445200/ron-desantis-florida-governors-election-results/ "undefined"). Republican Eddie Edwards could have become New Hampshire’s first black congressman, but lost to Democrat Chris Pappas, the state’s first openly gay member of Congress. TIME looked at races for state governors, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Here are the candidates in those races who made — and still could — make history. ## These candidates just made history ## Kyrsten Sinema  Democrat Senate candidate Kyrsten Sinema participates in the pregame coin toss before the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona State Sun Devils on Nov. 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. Christian Petersen—Getty Images **Became the first female senator from Arizona and the first openly bisexual senator.** Democrat Kyrsten Sinema [defeated Republican Martha McSally](http://time.com/5444385/arizona-senate-kyrsten-sinema-win-midterms/ "undefined") in the race for the Arizona senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Jeff Flake. Sinema, a member of the U.S. House who could also become the first openly bisexual senator, is a more moderate Democrat who opposes Medicare for All and abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Arizona last elected a Democratic senator in 1994. ## Jahana Hayes  Jahana Hayes reacts after winning the Democratic primary for Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Mary Glassman, in Waterbury, Conn. on Aug. 14, 2018. John Woike—Hartford Courant/AP **Became the first black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress.** [Jahana Hayes](http://time.com/5413924/teachers-running-for-office-midterms/ "undefined"), who was named the [National Teacher of the Year in 2016](https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/19/politics/teacher-of-the-year-congress/index.html "undefined"), won Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District seat in the 2018 midterms. She defeated Republican Manny Santos, the former mayor of Meriden, Conn., in the general election. She [becomes the first black woman](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2018/08/15/she-was-a-teen-mother-who-became-teacher-of-the-year-now-jahana-hayes-wants-to-become-connecticuts-first-black-member-of-congress/?utm%5Fterm=.8c8754326ccb "undefined") to represent Connecticut — and all of New England — in Congress. Republican Gary Franks became the state’s first black congressman in 1991. During her campaign, Hayes [candidly discussed growing up](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/15/nyregion/jahana-hayes-democrat-connecticut-primary-congress.html "undefined") in poverty and how she became pregnant at age 17\. Her [platform](https://www.jahanahayes.com/platform "undefined") included making college more affordable, supporting Medicare-for-All and expanding rights for Dreamers. ## Kristi Noem  Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., speaks during a news conference in the Capitol after the House passed the the GOP's tax reform bill on November 16, 2017\. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) Tom Williams—CQ-Roll Call,Inc. **Became South Dakota’s first female governor.** Republican Rep. Kristi Noem [won](https://www.vox.com/2018/6/5/17425636/south-dakota-primary-election-2018-live-results-noem-jackley "undefined") South Dakota’s gubernatorial election in the 2018 midterms, defeating Democrat Billie Sutton, the state senate’s majority leader. Her victory makes her South Dakota’s first female governor. South Dakota has consistently elected Republican governors since 1978\. Noem [campaigned](https://www.kristiforgovernor.com/policies/ "undefined") to improve the state’s economy, growing agriculture, and keeping the state free of income tax. ## Michelle Lujan Grisham  Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., at a news conference in the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017\. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call) Bill Clark—CQ-Roll Call,Inc. **Became the first Latina Democratic governor in the U.S.** Michelle Lujan Grisham, currently a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, [won the race](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/live-updates/midterms/live-primary-election-results/lujan-grisham-wins-democratic-nomination-for-governor-of-new-mexico/?utm%5Fterm=.4b121d4e37f0 "undefined") for New Mexico’s governor, defeating Republican Steve Pearce, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She became the first Latina Democratic governor in the U.S. Her predecessor — Republican Susana Martinez —became the first Latina governor when she was [elected governor](http://time.com/collection/american-voices-2017/4402950/susana-martinez/ "undefined") of New Mexico in 2010. Her [campaign](http://www.newmexicansformichelle.com/policy "undefined") platform included [supporting “Dreamers,”](https://www.apnews.com/7371c93402484fd392b48e374fcb4d1a "undefined") gun reform and making the state a leader in renewable energy. ## Chris Pappas  Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives Pappas takes the stage at his primary election rally in Manchester Brian Snyder—Reuters **Became the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire.** Chris Pappas, who currently serves on the New Hampshire Executive Council, won New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District seat in the 2018 midterm elections. He defeated Republican Eddie Edwards, who would have become the first black congressman from New Hampshire. Pappas became the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire. The seat has alternated between Democrats and Republicans since 2003\. Pappas’ [platform](https://www.chrispappas.org/ "undefined") included expanding the Affordable Care Act, protecting abortion rights and supporting universal pre-k and tuition-free public universities. If he wins, he’ll become the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire. ## Deb Haaland  Deb Haaland poses for a portrait in a Nob Hill Neighborhood in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 4, 2018\. Haaland, a tribal member of Laguna Pueblo, is aiming to become the first Native American woman in Congress. Juan Labreche—AP//Shutterstock **Become one of the first Native American women elected to Congress.** Deb Haaland, who used to chair New Mexico’s Democratic Party, [won](http://time.com/5304507/deb-haaland-first-native-american-congresswoman/ "undefined") New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District in the 2018 midterm. She defeated Republican Janice Arnold-Jones, a former member of the state’s House of Representatives. Her platform included fighting for Medicare for All, expanding DACA and subsidizing early childhood care and education. She became one of [the first Native American women](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/19/us/native-american-woman-congress.html "undefined") in Congress, a distinction she shares with Democrat Sharice Davids, who won the seat for Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District. ## Sharice Davids  Sharice Davids, a Democrat running for Congress in Kansas, talks to supporters at a July 4 event in Prairie Village. (Photo by David Weigel/The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post—The Washington Post/Getty Images **Became the first Native American women to serve in Congress and the first openly LGBT person to represent Kansas.** Democrat Sharice Davids, an [attorney and a former MMA fighter](https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/08/politics/sharice-davids-kansas-3rd-district/index.html "undefined"), won the seat for Kansas’ 3rd District in the 2018 midterms. Davids, a [member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin](http://time.com/5311541/donald-trump-native-american-candidates/ "undefined") and an open lesbian, defeated Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder, becoming the first Native American woman to serve in Congress, as well as the first openly LGBT person to represent Kansas in Congress. Her [platform](https://www.shariceforcongress.com/priorities "undefined") included fighting for tax cuts for the middle class, making college more affordable and supporting the expansion of Medicaid. ## Jared Polis  Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., walks down the House steps after the last vote before the August recess on Thursday, July 26, 2018\. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call) Bill Clark—CQ-Roll Call,Inc. **Became the first openly gay man elected governor in the U.S. (and first openly gay governor in Colorado).** Jared Polis, a member of U.S. House of Representatives, became the first openly gay man elected governor after winning the race for Colorado’s governor in the 2018 midterms. He defeated Republican Walker Stapleton, currently the state’s treasurer. Polis’ [progressive platform](https://polisforcolorado.com/issues/ "undefined") included Medicare for All and universal kindergarten and pre-school. Polis is also the first openly gay governor of Colorado. Since 1974, four out of five of the state’s governors have been Democrats. ## Marsha Blackburn  Chairman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., conducts a House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup in Rayburn Building on June 13, 2018\. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) Tom Williams—CQ-Roll Call,Inc. **Became the first female senator from Tennessee.** Marsha Blackburn, currently serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, won a Tennessee senate seat in the 2018 midterms, replacing retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker’s seat. Her [platform included](https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2018/07/11/tennessee-senate-marsha-blackburn-phil-bredesen/706335002/ "undefined") ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), supporting President Trump’s border wall and repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. She became the state’s first female senator. She defeated Democrat Phil Bredesen, the state’s former governor. Blackburn [received support](https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2018/05/28/president-donald-trump-nashville-tn-rally-blackburn-date-tickets-traffic/632985002/ "undefined") from President Trump. ## Ilhan Omar  In this Jan. 5, 2017, file photo, state Rep. Ilhan Omar is interviewed in her office two days after the 2017 Legislature convened in St. Paul, Minn. Jim Mone—AP **Became the first Somali-American in Congress.** Ilhan Omar, a member of Minnesota’s House of Representatives and the [first Somali-American Muslim person](http://time.com/collection/firsts/4898550/ilhan-omar-firsts/ "undefined") to ever become a legislator, won Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the 2018 midterm elections, defeating Republican Jennifer Zielinski. Her [platform](https://www.ilhanomar.com/vision/ "undefined") included increasing the minimum wage, supporting Medicare for All and reforming the criminal justice system. She became the first Somali-American in Congress. She’ll also become the first Muslim woman, along with Rashida Tlaib, who won Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. ## Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib  Ilhan Omar, a candidate for State Representative for District 60B in Minnesota, gives an acceptance speech on election night, November 8, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Omar, a refugee from Somalia, is the first Somali-American Muslim woman to hold public office; Rashida Tlaib shares a moment with her supporters on the campaign trail. Omar: Stephen Maturen—AFP/Getty Images; Tlaib: Erik Paul Howard **Became the first Muslim women in Congress.** Rashida Tlaib, a former state legislator, [won the seat for ](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/08/us/politics/rashida-tlaib-congress-muslim.html "undefined")Michigan’s 13th Congressional District after running unopposed. Her platform included supporting Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage and immigration reform. She will become the first Muslim woman in Congress with Omar. ## Ayanna Pressley  Ayanna Pressley celebrates her victory in the Congressional House Democratic primary in Boston, Mass. on Sept. 4, 2018. Steven Senne—AP **Became the first black Congresswoman from Massachusetts.** Ayanna Pressley, who made history as the first black woman to serve on the Boston City Council, became the first black Congresswoman from Massachusetts after winning the state’s 7th District seat in the 2018 midterm elections. She had no Republican challenger in her race in the heavily Democratic district. [She won the Democratic primary](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/04/us/politics/ayanna-pressley-massachusetts.html "undefined") against 10-term incumbent Michael Capuano on Sept. 4\. Her platform included defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, supporting Medicare for All and fighting to end gun violence. ## Lou Leon Guerrero > [](https://twitter.com/DemGovs/status/1059934225187725313) **Became the first female governor of U.S. territory Guam.** Lou Leon Guerrero, the current president of the Bank of Guam, [became the first female governor](http://time.com/5446878/lou-leon-guerrero-elected-guam-first-female-governor/ "undefined") of Guam after defeating Republican Lt. Gov Ray Tenorio in the 2018 midterm election. Guerrero won 50.7 percent of the vote, avoiding a runoff. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity given to us to make a positive change for all our people,” Leon Guerrero said, [according to the Pacific _Daily News._](https://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2018/11/06/guam-general-election-results/1900152002/ "undefined") Guam has been run by Republican governors since 2003\. Guerrero’s platform included improving the Department of Revenue and Taxation and increasing trust in government, [according to the Pacific _Daily News._](https://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2018/06/18/leon-guerrero-tenorio-announce-campaign-platform/709108002/ "undefined") ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/5395686/historic-candidates-midterms-2018/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/5395686/historic-candidates-midterms-2018/"},"headline":"These Candidates Made History in the 2018 Midterms","datePublished":"2018-10-23T15:25:58.000Z","dateModified":"2023-12-12T17:38:00.000Z","description":"Including Jared Polis, Marsha Blackburn and Michelle Lujan Grisham","url":"https://time.com/5395686/historic-candidates-midterms-2018/","keywords":["2018 midterms","Congress","Midterms","onetime"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9a7e83f44ac7d820/69893e77db2987a876261205/jared-polis-historic-candidates.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Samantha Cooney","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/samantha-cooney/"}],"articleSection":"Politics","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt9a7e83f44ac7d820/69893e77db2987a876261205/jared-polis-historic-candidates.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Gubernatorial Candidate Jared Polis And Colorado Democrats Hold Election Night Event","caption":"Gubernatorial Candidate Jared Polis And Colorado Democrats Hold Election Night Event","creditText":"Rick T. Wilking—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/politics/","name":"Politics"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/2018-midterms/","name":"2018 midterms"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/5395686/historic-candidates-midterms-2018/","name":"These Candidates Made History in the 2018 Midterms"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"2018 Midterm Elections Could Shift Power","description":"With the possibility of a flip of the House and candidates set to make history, voter enthusiasm builds leading up to the midterm elections.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/FTuOXmCB/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2018-10-24T20:41:50.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/FTuOXmCB.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/5395686/historic-candidates-midterms-2018/","duration":"PT3M59S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/5395686/historic-candidates-midterms-2018/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```