She Strengthens

Local Election Wins That Made a Big Impact

While the presidential election was dominating the headlines, there were many significant victories at the local and state levels that deserve our attention. From cannabis legalization to increased representation for diverse communities, these wins are a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the importance of voting in every election.

Alabama

Alabama took a crucial step towards a more inclusive future by approving the removal of racist language from its constitution. This long-overdue change marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards equality and justice.

Arizona

The Grand Canyon State legalized recreational cannabis, allowing adults 21 and older to grow their own stash and purchase it from licensed dispensaries. This move is expected to generate significant revenue and create new job opportunities.

California

California restored voting rights to people with felony convictions who are on parole, giving over 50,000 individuals the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The state also elected its first openly bisexual mayor and its youngest lawmaker, who is also openly bisexual.

Colorado

The Centennial State made history by electing its first Muslim legislator and its first openly bisexual candidate to the Colorado House of Representatives. Voters also approved paid family and medical leave for all employees and reintroduced gray wolves to the state.

Delaware

Delaware elected its first openly transgender senator and its first practicing Muslim to the state’s General Assembly. These milestones demonstrate the state’s commitment to diversity and representation.

Florida

Florida voters approved a minimum-wage increase to $15 per hour by 2026, a significant win for workers’ rights. The state also elected its first openly LGBTQ+ state senator and its first queer Black woman to the House of Representatives.

Georgia

While the presidential election was still undecided, Georgia voters reelected Rep. Sam Park, the state’s first gay man elected to the General Assembly. This victory ensures that LGBTQ+ voices continue to be represented in the state legislature.

Hawaii

Adrian Tam, an openly LGBTQ+ candidate, won a seat in Hawaii’s House of Representatives, defeating a Proud Boy chapter leader. This win sends a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.

Illinois

Jill Rose Quinn became the first openly transgender elected official in Illinois, winning a seat as a Cook County Judge. This milestone marks a significant step forward for transgender representation in the state.

Kansas

Stephanie Byers, a retired teacher and member of the Chickasaw Nation, became the state’s first transgender legislator. Rep. Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, was also reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives, solidifying her position as a trailblazer for Indigenous women in politics.

Louisiana

Two public defenders won Orleans Criminal District Court judgeships, unseating incumbents and marking a significant victory for justice reform in the state.

Maine

Voters in Portland, Maine, approved a minimum-wage increase to $15 per hour and several tenant protections, including limits on rental increases and the creation of a rental board to mediate landlord-tenant disputes.

Maryland

Maryland legalized sports betting, which will raise money for public education. This move is expected to generate significant revenue for the state.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts voters approved a “right to repair” ballot measure, giving car owners and independent auto shops more access to vehicles’ computerized data for repair purposes. Rep. Ayanna Pressley was also reelected, continuing her work as the first Black woman to represent Massachusetts in Congress.

Michigan

Michigan voters showed their strength and resilience by supporting poll workers and ensuring that every vote was counted. The state’s commitment to democracy is a beacon of hope for the nation.

Minnesota

Rep. Angie Craig was reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives, solidifying her position as the first lesbian mom elected to Congress. Rep. Ilhan Omar also won reelection, continuing her work as one of the first Muslim women and the first Somali American elected to Congress.

Mississippi

The Magnolia State finally replaced its racist, Confederate-themed flag with a new design featuring a magnolia. Voters also legalized medical cannabis, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to healthcare.

Missouri

Cori Bush became the first Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress, a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and community engagement.

Montana

Montanans voted to legalize recreational cannabis, making it the latest state to embrace the growing trend towards cannabis reform.

Nebraska

Nebraskans voted to remove slavery as a punishment for a crime from their constitution, a long-overdue change that marks a significant step towards a more just society.

Nevada

Nevada became the first state to protect gay marriage in its constitution, solidifying its position as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights.

New Hampshire

Reps. Gerri Cannon and Lisa Bunker were reelected, continuing their work as New Hampshire’s first openly transgender legislators. Joshua Query also won reelection, becoming the first openly gender-nonconforming person elected to a state legislature.

New Jersey

The Garden State legalized recreational cannabis, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to drug policy.

New Mexico

New Mexico elected all women of color to the U.S. House of Representatives, a historic milestone that demonstrates the state’s commitment to diversity and representation.

New York

Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres became the first Black LGBTQ+ members of Congress, while Jabari Brisport became New York’s first LGBTQ+ legislator of color.

North Carolina

Allison Dahle was reelected, continuing her work as one of the first out LGBTQ+ members of the North Carolina legislature.

Ohio

Ohioans showed their support for progressive values, electing candidates who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Oklahoma

Mauree Turner became the first Muslim elected to the Oklahoma legislature and the first nonbinary legislator in the nation, marking a significant milestone for representation and diversity.

Oregon

The Beaver State became the first state to decriminalize personal-use amounts of substances like heroin, opting instead for a approach that prioritizes recovery and support. Oregonians also legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use and elected Desi Nicodemus, the first Black man elected to the Milwaukie City Council.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvanians showed their commitment to democracy by supporting poll workers and ensuring that every vote was counted.

Rhode Island

Tiara Mack became the first Black LGBTQ+ member of Rhode Island’s state legislature, while the state also voted to remove the phrase “And Providence Plantations” from its official name.

South Carolina

South Carolinians demonstrated their support for progressive values, electing candidates who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

South Dakota

South Dakotans voted to legalize recreational and medical cannabis, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to drug policy.

Tennessee

Torrey Harris and Eddie Mannis became the first out LGBTQ+ lawmakers elected to the Tennessee General Assembly, solidifying their positions as trailblazers for LGBTQ+ representation in the state.

Texas

Ann Johnson, a lesbian and ally, secured a seat on the Texas House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the state.

Utah

Utahns voted to make serious revisions to their constitution, including the removal of slavery as a punishment for a crime.

Vermont

Taylor Small became the first openly transgender member of the Vermont legislature, solidifying their position as a trailblazer for transgender representation in the state.

Virginia

Virginians voted for a constitutional amendment that puts the responsibility of drawing redistricting maps in the hands of an independent commission rather than the state legislature. The state also voted to exempt veterans with disabilities from paying property taxes on one vehicle.

Washington

Marilyn Strickland became the first Korean American woman elected to Congress and the first Black representative from Washington, solidifying her position as a trailblazer for diverse representation in the state.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., voted to decriminalize psychedelic plants, marking a significant shift in the nation’s capital towards a more progressive approach to drug policy.

These local election wins demonstrate the power of grassroots movements and the importance of voting in every election. As we look towards the future, it’s clear that these victories will have a lasting impact on our communities and our country.