Historic Firsts in U.S. Elections

Evelyn M. Simien is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Indigeneity, Race, Ethnicity, and Politics (IREP) master’s degree iprogram at the University of Connecticut. She received her Ph.D. from Purdue University and specializes in intersectionality research, African-American politics, public opinion, and political behavior.

• 1. Historic Firsts in U.S. Elections: An Introduction Evelyn M Simien 2. Andrew Gillum’s Quest to Become Florida’s First Black Governor Sharon Wright Austin 3. Ilhan Omar: Breaking Barriers for Muslim, Somali American, and Immigrant Women Stefanie Chambers and Laurel Elder 4. Ayanna Pressley: Change Can’t Wait Lauren E. Jones and Evelyn M. Simien 5. Rashida Tlaib: A Symbol and Champion for Detroit Michael Minta 6. Mayor London Breed and the Limits of Governing while Black and Female in San FranciscoChelsea Jones, Crystal Robertson, and Lorrie Frasure 7. Historic Firsts in U.S. Elections: A ConclusionEvelyn M Simien

Praise for Historic Firsts in U.S. Elections"Historic Firsts in U.S. Elections deepens our understanding of the social, psychological, and racial context surrounding the election of minority candidates. It is a must-read for those interested in American electoral politics."Jas M. Sullivan, Louisiana State University"Truly pathbreaking candidates do not come along often. When they do, we need to understand how they campaign, mobilize support, and, if elected, do their work as representatives. This volume does that important work and should be read by scholars and politicians alike."John M. Sides, Vanderbilt University"This important and intersectional text moves beyond the Historic Firsts of Shirley Chisholm, Jesse Jackson, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to offer superb analysis of gubernatorial, congressional and mayoral historic firsts. The authors brilliantly demonstrate the limits as well as achievements of descriptive and substantive representation for historic candidacies across race, ethnicity, and gender. Simien’s influential theory of symbolic empowerment undergirds this volume which helps to frame how scholars and practitioners should consider both multiracial and multiethnic constituencies in American behavioral studies. This is an essential text for anyone who seeks to better understand electoral outcomes via an intersectional lens."Nadia E. Brown, Georgetown University