Election was slam dunk for women in Michigan

[workinclasszero]

Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press Published 8:45 a.m. ET Nov. 7, 2018 | Updated 10:10 a.m. ET Nov. 7, 2018

Michigan voters overwhelmingly chose women at the ballot box Tuesday, possibly electing for the first time in state history women to all three of the top offices — governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

Gretchen Whitmer will become only the second female governor of Michigan and Jocelyn Benson will be Secretary of State. Dana Nessel was close to claiming victory in the race for attorney general. At 8:20 a.m. and with 93 percent of precincts reporting, Nessel had 48.8 percent of the vote, while her opponent, Republican Tom Leonard, had 46.5 percent.

Debbie Stabenow held onto her U.S. Senate seat and three new female Democratic representatives — Haley Stevens, Elissa Slotkin and Rashida Tlaib — will walk the halls of Congress alongside Debbie Dingell and Brenda Lawrence, both of whom won re-election.

"It’s a big deal," said Shannon Garrett, co-founder of VoteRunLead, a nonprofit organization that trains women to run for office.

That's not all.

As of 7 a.m. Wednesday morning it appeared as if voters also picked women for the state Supreme Court — incumbent Elizabeth Clement and newcomer Megan Cavanagh were leading.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/2018/11/07/women-voters-2018-midterm-election/1894384002/

[Siwsan]

1. Tom Leonard conceded so Dana Nessel wins Time to break out the Mimosa!!!

I am wondering if this is the first time that so many top state office have been held, at the same time, by women.

[workinclasszero]

2. I bet it is

Michigan really had a great midterm!

[llmart]

3. This is an historic event.

I have said all along and for years that we need to have at least 50% representation in elected office all across this country. This really makes me proud, and I'm not a native Michigander.

[Granjeur]

4. Here here!

I'm new to DU, but excited to join the community. I live in Michigan and am pretty active around the state capital.

The 2018 elections were GREAT for Michigan Democrats. Despite egregious gerrymandering, we made significant inroads in the State House and Senate, which is notwithstanding the clean sweep of the statewide offices.

My hope is that the Governor-elect surrounds herself pragmatically progressive people. The "Republicans for Whitmer" thing turned me off a bit and I'm hoping there weren't any substantial background deals cut for that endorsement.

[DesertRat]

5. Welcome DU!

We're glad you're here!

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Welcome to DU, Granjeur!

It's great to have you with us!

[socdem60]

7. Michigan elections

I'm new to DU too, but have lived in Michigan all my life. I'm also excited about the outcome of this election. I cannot wait for the new Year to begin.