(CNN) Tuesday brought celebrations across the US for the record-breaking number of women who made history with their victories.
They ran and won in unprecedented numbers, adding over 25 seats in the House.
Many are Democrats inspired to run in response to President Trump.
“That kind of change doesn’t just happen. Happened because of you. You made it happen,” said Virginia Democratic Congresswoman-elect Jennifer Wexton. “That’s why I stand before you tonight as your congresswoman elect.”
Former Navy Commander Elaine Luria turned Virginia’s Second Congressional District blue.
Like many of the women elected, she’s a first time candidate.
“We’ve spent two years waiting for someone to stand up to the partisan and the division in Washington. We’ve been waiting for someone to say enough is enough,” said Luria.
29-year-old New York Democrat and self described socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.
“This is what is possible everyday people come together all actions no matter how small or how large powerful worthwhile lasting change,” said Ocasio-Cortez.
Diversity extended beyond their gender.
2018 also saw the first Muslim women elected to serve in the house: Democrats Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
“I stand here before you tonight as your congresswoman elect with many firsts behind my name. The first woman of color to represent your state in congress. The first woman to wear a hijab to represent us in congress. The first refugee ever elected to congress,” said Omar.
Democrats Sharice Davids from Kansas and Deb Haaland of New Mexico earned their place in history, becoming the first Native American women in congress.
“I think it is important, I think representation is important, I think diversity in every level of government, I’m happy New Mexicans saw that, that we deserve every voice deserves a seat at the table,” said Haaland.
Democrats made it a priority to get more women to that table in 2018 but Republican Women made their mark Tuesday night too.
Republican Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn supports President Trump who returned the favor, stumping for her multiple times.
Blackburn will become the first female senator from Tennessee.
“Now you don’t have to worry if you’re going to call me Congressman, or Congresswoman or Congresslady. Now senator will do,” said Blackburn.
Republican Congresswoman Kristi Noem will now answer to governor, becoming the first woman in South Dakota to do so.
It wasn’t all good news for women. Incumbent Senators Claire McCaskill and Heidi Heitkamp lost their seats in high-profile races.
But Tuesday marked a turning point, as the congressional representation of women got a little closer to matching the percentage of women in America.
As of this Wednesday morning 96 women were projected to win seats in the House of Representatives.
That is 11 more than the previous record.
