The incoming class of U.S. senators is full of historic firsts

NPR News Nov 6, 2026 00:00 1 min read 2 reads

From the first Native American elected to the U.S. Senate and the first Muslim who will join the upper chamber to the Senate's first Paralympian, voters elected historic candidates in the midterms.

Elections

The incoming class of U.S. senators is full of historic firsts November 6, 20263:21 PM ET

Saige Miller

Josh Turek, Peggy Flanagan, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed are among several Democratic Senators-elect who made history on Election Day 2026. Scott Olson/Getty Images; Dymanh Chhoun/Sahan Journal/CatchLight via Getty Images; Sylvia Jarrus for NPR hide caption

Scott Olson/Getty Images; Dymanh Chhoun/Sahan Journal/CatchLight via Getty Images; Sylvia Jarrus for NPR

When the newest class of U.S. senators are sworn into office in January, it will include some of America's firsts.

The incoming class of U.S. senators is full of historic firsts

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