
Tuesday night’s midterm elections had a series of historic firsts, including a record-breaking year for female candidates across the nation. but the results out of one Texas county may be the most feel good story of the year.
In Harris County Texas, 19 black woman ran for judge posts. And guess what? Every single candidate won their campaign.
The hashtag #Houston19 has become a rallying cry and celebratory corner of the internet for what many are calling the biggest electoral victory for black women in American history.
So proud of my #Houston and the #Houston19. Can't deny it; the #BetoForTexas loss was a difficult one but I'm amaze… https://t.co/AioIyJEMzU— C. Star Tiko, MD MPH (@C. Star Tiko, MD MPH)1541606793.0
All 19 of the #Houston African American Female Judges up for election WON tonight! Congratulations #Houston19 🙌🏾🍾 https://t.co/JJMcEI76JF— Isaac Hayes III (@Isaac Hayes III)1541571602.0
Nineteen black female judges! They ALL won their elections!! REAL GOALS!! #Houston19 ✨ https://t.co/UI08fMYsVy— Attorney Jas ✨ (@Attorney Jas ✨)1541624395.0
I love being a black woman! Congratulations! #SoProud #Houston19 https://t.co/gSeWN5SPRP— Robyn816 (@Robyn816)1541629941.0
It’s another major victory for women of color and comes just a few months after a viral story out of Georgia where it was reported that every person in one city’s judiciary is a black woman.
Harris County covers most of the Houston area, which is the most diverse state in Texas. Still, overall, women of color make up just 19 percent of all judicial posts across America.
Seeing all 19 candidates win their elections is a feel good moment but it’s also an important reminder of how much work remains to be done to truly have our judicial system reflect those citizens it is tasked with serving.