Regardless of one's political affiliation, a bright spot this week was the election of a more diverse Congress. When it meets in January, the new Congress will be younger, more female and more racially diverse. That is a positive development that should result in a commitment to problem-solving on a broader scale on the practical issues that matter most to Americans.
Most of the new members of Congress elected on Tuesday are Republicans. Many have backgrounds in politics. And a large number are women. Among the newly elected: Elise Stefanik, 30, a New York Republican who is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress; Mia Love, 38, who hails from Utah and will be the first black female Republican in the House; and Tom Cotton, 37, of Arkansas, who will become the country's youngest U.S. senator. Others elected to the Senate include Joni Ernst, 44, the first woman elected to Congress from Iowa; and Shelley Moore Capito, 60, who will be the first woman to represent West Virginia in the Senate. Tim Scott, 49, of South Carolina is the first African-American senator elected from the South since Reconstruction, according to the Associated Press.
In all, at least 101 women will serve in the next Congress, including Florida Democrat Gwen Graham, 51, the daughter of former governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, who defeated a Republican incumbent in North Florida. A record 29 Latinos will be in the House, and 46 African-Americans will be in Congress overall.
Diversity matters. It has the potential to draw attention in both parties to topics that have generally been characterized as women's or minority issues. Women, for example, might be more inclined to take another look at sexual assault in the military or on college campuses. Cotton, whose wife expects to give birth to their first child next year, could be an advocate for younger families.
Despite making progress toward more diversity, Congress still skews older and remains overwhelmingly white and male. Republicans deserve credit for bringing a more diverse slate of candidates before voters. Both parties should remain committed to shoring up their benches with potential leaders of varying backgrounds, ages, genders and races. Recognizing, valuing and promoting diversity among public servants is in everyone's best interest.