On the morning of November 7th, it was already clear that the 2018 mid-term elections were historic for women and other underrepresented minorities in American government. Even with several races remaining too close to call, as many women were expected to serve as senators and governors as have at any point in America’s past, while more women than ever were expected to serve in the House of Representatives.
Now, a week later, the margin of history has widened.
As of 9:37 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 13th, 101 women have been elected to the House—88 Democrats and 13 Republicans—far outstripping the previous record of 85.
On Monday, a Senate seat for Arizona was declared for Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, bringing the female senators count up to 23, as expected. (Sinema’s opponent, Republican Martha McSally, is also a woman, so no matter the outcome of this election, the number of female senators was expected to include this Arizona seat.)
One Senate race with a female candidate remains undecided: Mississippi’s contest between Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy. Twenty-three women currently serve in the Senate, a record high.
The number of women expected to serve as governor in 2019 remains at nine, matching the record set in 2004. Could it ultimately be 10? The governor’s position in Georgia is still in contention. Republican Brian Kemp right now has 50.3 percent of the vote and has declared victory. His lead over Democrat Stacy Abrams comprises fewer than 60,000 votes and some votes remain uncounted, however, so Abrams has refused to concede until more ballots are tallied. The race may lead to a recount or even a runoff. If Abrams wins, she will be the first black female governor in the United States.
