Women running for office this year are shattering records and breaking barriers.
In the U.S. Senate, 22 women won their primaries, beating the record of 18 set in 2012.
Republican Pearl Kim could become the first woman of color to represent the state of Pennsylvania in Congress if elected.
“Being a woman, being a woman of color, I certainly share a different perspective than some of my counterparts, and so you need different perspectives in order to serve everyone within the district,” Kim says.
As a sexual assault survivor, her traumatic experience played a part in her getting involved in politics.
“With this current climate, there were a lot of factors that made me want to run,” Kim says. “I think the Me Too movement did inspire me, but I was also frustrated with Washington and some of the rhetoric and the inaction.”
In New Mexico, Democrat Deb Holland is expected to become the first Native American woman in Congress.
“I'm excited to have other women and women of color, essentially running beside me, and it will be great when we cross the finish line together,” Holland says.
Holland feels it's more than just being a woman that will get her elected. She hopes her ability to relate to the average American will help her win.
“I've got student loans; I'm a single mom,” she says. “I know what it's like to be on food stamps. I understand what the word struggle means, so I feel like I can go to Congress and represent people like me.”
But for all of their hard work, these women know they've got one more race to win in November before they make history.
