Historic firsts in 2018 US midterm elections

Marsha Blackburn, first female senator from Tennessee

A Republican who represents Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, Blackburn has become the first female senator in the state. Her race received national attention after the pop star Taylor Swift, who previously avoided politics, endorsed Blackburn's opponent, the Democratic former governor Phil Bredesen.

Blackburn, a conservative lawmaker closely tied to President Donald Trump, looked to nationalize the Senate race as much as possible. Blackburn has served in the US House since 2003.

Arizona is also guaranteed to elect its first female senator. Following GOP Senator Jeff Flake's decision last year not to seek re-election, Democratic Representative Kyrsten Sinema is facing off against GOP Representative Martha McSally.