On November 6th, the country voted within the Midterm Elections to decide the fate of many house representatives, senators, and governors.

Although Democrats regained control of the House and Republicans retained control of the Senate, the true winner of this cycle that few will highlight is diversity.

Regardless of party affiliation, this election saw the inclusion of multiple African Americans, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and Muslims.

Jared Polis was elected the new governor of Colorado, which made him the first openly gay man to become a governor of a state.

“Tonight we proved that we are an inclusive state that values everyone’s contribution, regardless of someone’s sexual orientation,” Polis said in an interview on election night.

The country also saw the election of its first Islam Women, sending both Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar to Congress.

“Here in Minnesota we don’t only welcome immigrants, we elect them,” Omar said in an interview after her election night win.

Lastly, Ayanna Pressley became the first African American Congresswoman elected in the state of Massachusetts.

“It matters because it informs the issues that are spotlighted and emphasized, and it leads to more innovative and enduring solutions. That’s why it matters. You cannot have a government for and by the people if it is not represented by all of the people,” Pressley said in a debate with her opponent Michael Capuano regarding representation within politics.

Although this cycle was filled with the stereotypical negative campaign ads, the constant criticism of another politicians character rather than their ideas, and the profound divide between the media and the people, if there was ever an aspect where Americans can truly look at this country and be proud of it’s diversity, one need look no further than this election.