Sharice Davids, a lesbian attorney and former professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, took a step towards making history earlier this week, winning the Democratic primary race in Kansas.
Davids, a Native American, is now set to come up against Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder in November's midterm elections. If victorious, she will become the first Native American woman and second-ever lesbian elected to Congress, after Sen. Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin.
"What we see are Kansans getting tired of a lot of politics of division and bigotry," said Tom Witt, the executive director of the LGBT advocacy group Equality Kansas, according to .
He added: "The Democrats of northeast Kansas want to send a message that Kansans are not all what you think we are."
In a statement following her win on Tuesday, Davids said that she was "honoured and deeply motivated by the support" she had received across the district.
"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," she continued.
"To my supporters: you knocked on doors, made phone calls, donated what you could, and got your friends, neighbours, and family members to the polls.
"I am eternally grateful."
Davids managed to beat five other Democratic candidates to win a House seat, including Brent Welder, who was backed by Bernie Sanders.
