US midterms break new ground with a series of historic firsts

In New Hampshire, Chris Pappas has won his senate race to become the State's first openly gay senator. Picture: Mel Musto/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In electing the first black speaker of the house, first Muslim senator, first Native American woman governor and the first openly gay senator, these US midterms have broken the mould.

While much of the focus has been on the blue wave which turned into an overwhelming tsunami of support for Democrats, American voters have not only turned their backs on Trump's abrasive and divisive style but have shown an acceptance of minorities and support for those who prioritise compassion, inclusivity and decency.

Abdul El-Sayed, perhaps the most high profile of the history-makers will become the country's first Muslim senator.

The Michigan progressive Democrat, who faced sustained personal and Islamophobic attacks including from President Donal Trump, was hit by further drama in the final days of the campaign when Haley Stevens who lost out to him in the primaries, publicly flipped allegiances to back the Republican candidate Mike Rogers.

“You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates,” El-Sayed, 42, told the crowd in his election night speech. 

“You welcomed me in your homes, your churches, your synagogues.” 

Abdul El-Sayed, perhaps the most high profile of the history-makers will become the country's first Muslim senator. Picture: Jeff Kowalsky / AFP via Getty Images

Addressing, what had been a vicious campaign against him, El-Sayed, who has been unwavering in his stance on ending funding to Israel, said: “They want an America that is too small for some of us. 

“We know that America is big enough for all of us.” 

While money is seen as an essential part of elections in the US, the eye-watering amounts donated by the likes of Elon Musk, who pumped $446m into Republican campaigns, only added to the warnings of corruption being pushed by many Democrats.

Long before he was even selected as the Democratic candidate, the pro-Israel lobby Aipac, spent around $30m trying to stop El-Sayed getting through the primaries, a move which ultimately failed.

In his victory speech, El-Sayed said: “We want our taxes spent here, for schools here, and healthcare here, and infrastructure here. We don’t want our money sent to do apartheid, or genocide, or war.” 

He is just one of many Democrats across the US, who are making their own history.

In New Hampshire, Chris Pappas has won his senate race to become the State's first openly gay senator.

"I want to thank the guy next to me, my amazing husband Van, how 'bout it?" he said to cheers from the crowd.

Describing his race as a "long campaign against the chaos, corruption and costs coming out of Washington," he praised constituents for "showing up".

"You said in a resounding voice that America needs a course correction, that Washington needs a new generation at the table."

In Illinois, Israel critic, Nabeela Syed, will become the youngest member of this Senate at 27.

Dr Adam Hamawy, who volunteered as a surgeon on Gaza, has been elected as New Jersey's first Muslim congressman. Picture: Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Dr Adam Hamawy, who volunteered as a surgeon on Gaza, has been elected as New Jersey's first Muslim congressman.

Reacting to the results, former president Barak Obama said voters have "sent out a clear message" and that message is that the US people "want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face".

American politics has become increasingly polarising, and it would be easy for Democrats, bullish and buoyed up from the support they have gained, to seek blood.

However, if they are to build or even retain the momentum of these elections, Democrats must follow though on the positive pre-election messaging which has clearly resonated with voters.