Midterms may bring in wave of historic firsts for some states and the country

The upcoming midterm elections could usher in a wave of historic firsts for several states and the United States as a whole. This election season has set the stage for the first Native American female governor, as well as the first Native women senators, the first Black female governor, the first openly gay U.S. senator, and the first Muslim U.S. senator. While some candidates have chosen not to emphasize their unique backgrounds, others are proud of the progress being made in representation.

Deb Haaland, a Democratic candidate from New Mexico, is among those who may make history as the first Native American female governor. She already achieved a first by becoming one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress and then the first Native American cabinet secretary. In Alaska, Mary Peltola, a Yup'ik Native and Democrat, is aiming to become the first Native woman senator, while Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive Democrat of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, could also make history as the first Native woman to serve in the Senate.

In Georgia, Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms could become the first Black female governor, marking the end of a 250-year streak without a Black woman holding the position. In Montana, Republican incumbent Gov. Steve Bullock faces a Democratic challenge, Stacey Pappas, who could become the first openly gay senator if elected in New Hampshire. If Republicans succeed in electing a Muslim U.S. senator, Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan could break this barrier.

Additionally, this election cycle has seen a record number of women running for governor and Congress. Democrats have nominated 19 women for governor, and the Republican Party has seven women vying for the same position. Tennessee is projected to elect its first female governor, with Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green facing off.