California Surfs the Blue Wave

The results of the recent November Midterm Elections will leave a lasting effect on American politics for years to come. Though the predicted “blue wave,” or complete Democratic takeover, did not happen at the anticipated magnitude, Democrats won over the House of Representatives and ended Republican hold on every branch of government. Americans are now intently watching Congress in preparation for the newly elected officials to take office in early January and to find out what a split legislature will entail for the nation.

While many battles were fought for gubernatorial, state, and national positions, the most drastic changes occurred in the House of Representatives. In response to events and policies in Washington, voters came out in record numbers to exercise their right.

“More than 47 percent of the voting-eligible population cast a ballot in the midterm elections,” according to a statistic by NPR.

Democrats flipped 27 seats in the House, guaranteeing them a majority of at least two seats. But even though the “blue wave” hit the House hard, the GOP still held onto the Senate with the 47 (Dems.) to 53 (GOP). In regaining control of the House, Democrats will now have the option to choose a new Speaker of the House, one of the most powerful positions in American politics.

Shifting stages from national to state, California was one of the few states to oust almost all Republican representatives. Some notable party members holding onto their seats were careered politician Senator Dianne Feinstein, and former speaker of the house and long-serving representative Nancy Pelosi. Gavin Newsom won the gubernatorial election, beating out runner up John Cox by roughly 30% of the vote, and succeeding Jerry Brown as California’s next Governor.

Many voters across the nation are proud to have cast their vote, and hopeful that the shift in Congress will bring forth change and action within Washington. The public now sets its focus on January, when the lame duck, or voted out, officials leave office and the newly elected bureaucrats are sworn in, potentially bringing a political revolution with them.