If nothing else, the 2018 midterm elections certainly left their mark by leaving a significant number of firsts in its wake, especially for those who like to check boxes or otherwise focus on identity politics! In Michigan, Democrat Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim woman ever elected to Congress; At age 29, Democrat Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, just edging out another 29 year old newcomer – Democrat Abby Finkenauer of Iowa; Iowa also elected a woman to its other congressional seat for the first time, electing Cindy Axne.  Congress now has its first Native American women elected to serve with Sharice Davids of Kansas and Deb Haaland of New Mexico winning seats; and Democrats Ayanna Pressley and Jahana Hayes became the first black women elected to Congress from Massachusetts and Connecticut respectively. In addition, the election of Chris Pappas from New Hampshire makes him the first openly gay Congressman from the Granite State; and two Latinas, Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia, were elected to Congress from Texas for the first time. Women were elected to the Governor’s office for the first time in Maine with Janal Mills topping the ticket, in Iowa, where Republican Kim Reynolds was elected in her own right; and in South Dakota which gave the nod to Republican Kristi Noem; by winning the corner office in California, Gavin Newsom became the first openly gay Governor. That’s a lot of boxes checked, now can we focus on merit and competence??