Another Democrat Wins In A Very Republican State - And She's The First Female To Win This Office

Good news for the majority of voting residents in Nashville, Tennessee. Democratic candidate, Megan Barry won the September 2015 runoff election for Mayor in the state’s capitol, making her the first female mayor in the city’s history. Tennessee is known for being a very Republican state in the Deep South. Barry’s victory is a win for many progressive causes like women’s choice, a raise in minimum wage, and equal marriage (she officiated the first same-sex marriage in Nashville).

The Tennessean reports:

Nashville voters Thursday elected Megan Barry as the seventh mayor and first woman to lead the city’s metropolitan government. Barry had 56,712 votes, or 54.5 percent of the overall vote, and opponent David Fox had 47,234 votes, or 45.3 percent. So far, 143 of 161 precincts have reported, according to the Davidson County Election Commission. Shortly before 9 p.m., Fox conceded the race to Barry.

“Tonight we start a new chapter for Nashville,” Barry told supporters at her victory party at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. “You, the Nashville voters,” Barry said. “This one is going to go down in the history books. Today, you went the polls, and you elected the first woman mayor.”

This is an exciting time for women and for politics. On Monday, Daily Kos Elections writer David Nir reported similar news:

Democrat Cyndi Munson defeated Republican Chip Carter 54-46 in a special election for a state House district that Mitt Romney carried by an overwhelming 61-39 margin in 2012. Republicans have held the seat for over 50 years, and Munson ran for it last year but lost by 13 points.

Nir discusses other women recently elected to office. You can read his piece HERE.

Congratulations, Megan Barry! You can say hello to Mayor-Elect Barry on her Facebook Page HERE. You can also view videos including, ‘Meet Megan Barry’ HERE. Congratulations to all the new Democrats in office. Here’s hoping election results like these will continue to trend.

Originally posted to Daily Kos by Leslie Salzillo.

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Another Democrat Wins In A Very Republican State – And She’s The First Female To Win This Office