The coronavirus continues to plague the United States while the economy struggles to recover from the pandemic-induced recession. Protests against systemic racism rocked cities across the country during the summer. And in the middle of it all, voters are casting their ballots in the 2020 general election.
There are a number of historic races happening across the country — many featuring more women, especially women of color, than ever before.
Sen. Kamala Harris, in particular, has already made history by being the first Black and South Asian woman to be the vice presidential candidate for a major-party ticket.
Women, who make up more than half of the electorate, are turning out in huge numbers. In several key battleground states, women account for more than half of early voters.
Track The 19th’s latest election coverage below, and check out 19 to Watch, our guide to the issues and races to watch in 2020.
Joe Biden has committed to having the most diverse Cabinet in history. It’s likely future presidents will be expected to match or increase representation.
Padilla’s appointment marks a milestone — he will be the first Latinx senator from California — but Black leaders who led the charge for a Black woman to fill Harris’ seat expressed disappointment.
The new poll also shows equality issues — standing up for immigrants, people of color and LGBTQ+ people — played a large role in turnout for the president-elect.
There will be 27 new congresswomen joining the House in 2021, and most of them are Republicans.
LGBTQ+ groups applaud the significance of the secretary of transportation nomination, calling it “a historic moment for our community” and “a new milestone” for LGBTQ+ people working in government.
Shirley Sherrod hopes that if Tom Vilsack is confirmed, he will put a focus on Black farmers.
If confirmed, Tai, the chief trade lawyer for the House Ways and Means Committee, would also be the first woman of color to serve as the president’s principal trade advisor.
New data shows women will represent just over 30 percent of all legislative seats, and will increase the number of women-majority chambers.
Rochelle Walensky, who heads the infectious disease unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, will shape how the government distributes coronavirus vaccines.
Advocates see in the vice president-elect a White House ally to legislatively address the crisis of pregnancy-related deaths.