Vermont ends streak as the last state to send a woman to Congress

Observe dwell updates and outcomes from Election Day 2022 right here.

All 50 states within the U.S. have now despatched a girl to signify them in Congress.

Vermont was the final state to have by no means elected a girl to Washington, however on Tuesday, state Sen. Becca Balint gained the state’s lone seat within the Home of Representatives. She was closely favored to beat out Republican Liam Madden and can grow to be the primary lady and the primary brazenly LGBTQ particular person to signify the state.

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In an interview with NPR the week earlier than Election Day, Balint mentioned the burden of creating historical past was beginning to hit her.

“I undoubtedly have heard from a number of constituents how they’re excited to be sending a girl to Congress for the primary time, to be sending an brazenly homosexual particular person,” Balint mentioned.

“Illustration completely issues … simply with the ability to image your self in that position is vital,” she mentioned.

Balint mentioned one of many causes that she held again from working for workplace at first was as a result of she could not image herself doing it as an brazenly homosexual particular person.

“I did not have any position fashions … it was not one thing that felt attainable to me. So I am creating that sense of risk for my constituents and their children and grandkids and that’s so thrilling to me,” Balint mentioned.

Balint is taking on the seat beforehand held by Rep. Peter Welch, a Democrat who was elected Tuesday evening to signify Vermont within the Senate, changing long-serving Sen. Patrick Leahy. Leahy, 82, was first elected to the Senate in 1974 and did not search reelection this yr.

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