Trailblazers

There has been a shift in the kinds of Americans choosing to pursue public service through elected office. Stacy Yvonne Abrams, 44, is a lawyer and novelist. If elected she will be the first black woman elected governor. Businesswoman and US Rep Marsha Blackburn, 66, would be Tennessee’s first female senator if she wins. Ayanna S. Pressley, 45, is now poised to become the first black woman to represent her state in Congress. Andrew Demese Gillum, 39, has served as Mayor of Tallahassee, Florida since 2014. If elected, Gillum would be the first black governor of his state.