While that candidate may have lost, the attention has now turned to Sharice Davids, the openly gay former mixed martial arts fighter who won the primary and now has a shot at becoming the country’s first Native American woman in Congress.
Davids, a former fellow in the Obama White House, declared victory in the race on Wednesday morning, pulling in 37% of the vote. Her success continues a streak of female candidates winning during this election cycle.
“I am honored and deeply motivated by the support I received from across this district,” Davids said in a statement claiming victory. “Thank you to my fellow Democrats in this race for their passion and for engaging in a spirited and important debate about the future of this district and this country. To my supporters: you knocked on doors, made phone calls, donated what you could, and got your friends, neighbors, and family members to the polls. I am eternally grateful for your confidence in me and will work to earn your trust day in and day out in Congress.”
Davids is now looking ahead to the general election and taking on Yoder. In a statement released by her campaign, Davids said she plans to outwork Yoder every day until November.
“I am humbled by the support and excited by the future ahead. Now let’s get to work,” she said.
