Two African-American women have been elected to the Nebraska Legislature for the first time, MSNBC.com reports. Brenda Council won a seat vacated by Senator Ernie Chambers with 84 percent of the vote while Tanya Cook took 58 percent of the vote in her race. Both women said they believe the historical significance of the presidential election exceeds their own, but said all their races echoes the messages of hope and change.
Cook said: “It’s exciting to be a part of history. I’m still kind of walking through the ether. I was knocking on doors on Monday, putting out yard signs on Tuesday.” Council said: “All of this represents the kind of change and transformational change that everybody is seeking.” Senator Joann Maxey, an African-American, served as a Nebraska state senator from 1977 to 1979, but she was appointed by the governor—not elected.