For the second time, Donald Trump has won the presidency over a candidate who would have been the country’s first woman president. His win is not just about a single candidate or campaign — it is a stark reflection of the deep racism, misogyny, and sexism embedded in this country.
While we recognize the profound danger of another Trump administration, we also appreciate several historic firsts and milestones for women across the country.
Two Black women — Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester — will serve in the U.S. Senate concurrently for the first time in history.
New Mexico is now the second state legislature to achieve a women’s majority (alongside Nevada).
Delaware state Senator Sarah McBride won her race to join the U.S. House; she is the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Hiawatha (Iowa) City Council member Aime Wichtendahl will be Iowa’s first transgender lawmaker when she joins that state’s House.
Ballot measures to protect or expand abortion access passed in 7 states: New York, Maryland, Colorado, Missouri, Arizona, Nevada, and Montana.
It is imperative that we respond to this moment with resilience and a renewed commitment to building women’s political power. Vote Run Lead Action’s work training women and gender-expansive people to run for office is more important than ever. Our strategy for focusing on state legislatures, where so many of the laws that impact our lives are decided, will be critical in combatting harmful policies during the next Trump administration.
