African-Americans were among the millions of U.S. voters who braved everything from long lines to inclement weather in order to cast ballots in the midterm elections. The results were a mixed bag and included putting control of the House back in Democratic hands. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts was elected the first African-American woman to represent any New England state in Congress. Jahana Hayes became the first woman of color to represent Connecticut in Congress. Tish James was the first woman and first African-America elected New
York attorney general. Stacey Abrams, the Georgia Democrat vying to become the nation’s first Black woman governor, lost in a contentious race mired with claims of voter suppression. In Florida, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum lost his bid for governor in a tight race with former Congressman Ron DeSantis.
