Record numbers reflect their huge mobilisation for vote

The election day gains by women were the capstone on a midterm election that has been defined by the energy of women, both on the political left and right. Women not only ran for office at an unprecedented rate, several knocked off white male incumbents during their party primaries. They mobilised on the grassroots level and played larger roles as donors than in previous election cycles.

There was also a historic gender gap that showed women more supportive of Democrats than Republicans.

Democratic congressional candidate Jahana Hayesleast 100 women to the House, surpassing the previous record of 84.According to data compiled by the Associated Press, 237 women ran for the House as major-party candidates this year. That number is expected to grow, as results had not been called for more than a dozen races in which women are running.Among the new lawmakers headed to the House is Jennifer Wexton, a Virginia state senator who defeated incumbent Barbara Comstock in one of the most closely watched races. And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the former Bernie Sanders organiser who won an upset primary victory over a senior House Democrat, will also head to Congress.

Party time: Far left, Democratic congressional candidate Alexandria OcasioCortez greets supporters at her election night party in New York. Left, above, Democratic congressional candidate Ilhan Omar speaks at her election night party in Minneapolis. Below, Democratic congressional candidate Rashida Tlaib celebrates with her mother.