John,
The results of this Tuesday’s elections reaffirmed my core belief that we must choose optimism over apathy — always.
Here in Vermont, voters approved ballot initiatives to end all forms of slavery and enshrine the right to reproductive liberty in our state’s constitution. You also elected the first woman and openly LGBTQ person to represent Vermont in Washington — an honor I’m still wrapping my head around.
But Vermont wasn’t the only state with firsts: Our neighbors in Massachusetts elected Democrat Maura Healey to be their next governor, making her the first woman to hold that position in Massachusetts history – and the first openly lesbian woman to win a gubernatorial election in United States history. And down in Florida, Maxwell Frost became the first member of Gen Z to win a congressional seat at the age of 25.
Pessimists would have had us stay home on Tuesday, wanting us to believe that a “red wave” was imminent. But instead, Americans chose hope, optimism, and action by turning out across all 50 states to protect their rights, defend our democracy, and stop the spread of extremism. And as a result, Democrats defied expectations — putting us within striking distance of holding the House and the Senate.
Our democracy isn’t fueled by polls or pundits: It’s fueled by people-power. And it will only continue to run if we show up, engage, and participate in the political process.
So stay hopeful. Keep the faith. Optimism still has a place in our politics — and we proved it on Tuesday.
Yours,
Becca Balint
Congresswoman-Elect, VT-AL
