The 2018 midterm elections were one for the books, and will go down in history as a day of "many firsts." Young, Black politicians all over the county won big; from City Commissioners to Congress, the people voted on the change they would like to see in their communities. 

These historic wins particularly matter, because representation always matters; and arguably matters the most in politics. The year 2019 is looking mighty bright (and mighty Black).

Here are 7 young, Black politics to watch in 2019.

1. Mariah Parker 

In June, Mariah Parker shook the table, social media, and the entire state of Georgia when she made history as one of the youngest county commissioners to be elected in Athens, Georgia. Not only did the 26-year-old win, but she unexpectedly went viral when she took her oath with a 'Black power' fist raised, over The Autobiography of Malcolm X, while rocking an afro.

Her website states her responsibility as commissioner involves proposing, lobbying, and securing funding for initiatives that will likely impact the typically underrepresented folks in the traditionally District 2, which could include "free bus fare, adult education programs, and initiatives to improve the relationship between law enforcement and our community."

With the intent to embody Malcolm's "willingness to uneditedly speak about Black people at large" during her tenure, she plans to address economic justice issues, push for education reform, attack discrimination head on, and advocate for affordable housing and transportation for the people of Athens in the days to come. 

Find out more about Mariah here.

2. Malcolm Kenyatta

Malcolm Kenyatta changed the game in his home town of North Philly by becoming the first open gay, Black male to be elected to a state representative position. Both unapologetically queer and Black, the 28-year-old has been politically involved since his pre-teen years, and is now ready to serve as a lawmaker for Philadelphia's 181st district. 

As the grandson of an influential civil rights activist Muhammad Kenyatta, Malcolm feels compelled to tackle important issues head on, as his grandfather did; such as public school funding, minimum wage pay, and the need for affordable housing.

Find out more about Malcolm here.

3. Lauren Underwood 

Underwood has proven herself as a politician to watch by becoming the youngest Black woman to serve in Congress. At the age of 32, the former Obama administration member knows she has her work cut out for her as the first Democratic winner since 2011, but asserted her eagerness to take on such a challenge on the night she made history. 

"When Congresswoman Chisholm ran for president in the 1970s, she proclaimed that she was 'unbought and unbossed,' and I've adopted that declaration as my own unofficial model," said the Chicago native. "I aspire to be a bold representative for this community. Someone who is wholly responsive and accountable to her constituents: unbought and unbossed."

A firm believer in "common-sense gun laws," Lauren plans to first push laws to reduce gun violence in America.

Find out more about Lauren here. 

4. Mandela Barnes

Barnes is the youngest to take on the Lieutenant Governor position in Wisconsin. The 32-year-old landed a historic win by ending an eight year streak of Republican control of Wisconsin state government, and becoming the first African-American elected lieutenant governor in Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee native plans to focus on ensuring affordable college, affordable healthcare, a healthier and cleaner environment, and higher pay for working class individuals. 

Find out more about Mandela here. 

5. Ayanna Pressley

Pressley is the first Black woman elected to Congress for the state of Massachusetts, and the first African-American to serve on the Boston City Council, according to WBUR.

An embodiment of Black girl magic, she managed to upset her opponent by 17 points during the primary race in September, by running a campaign for the people of the 7th district that targeted younger voters and voters of color. 

The Chicago native said during a recent City Council meeting, “Locally, I’ve been working on the issue of equity in the cannabis industry, this is a fight that I can take to Washington. Federally, I’m going to fight for federal investment into re-entry programs for gun violence.”

Find out more about Ayanna here. 

6. Kalan Haywood, Jr. 

Age means nothing when you know your stuff. The youngest Black male to be elected as state representative in Wisconsin, this 19-year-old is taking the 16th district of Milwaukee to new heights in 2019. 

The Milwaukee Journal noted that while Kalan is unable to drink alcohol legally, rent a car and gamble, he will probably still be voting on legislation related to all three. The college sophomore says, "my age is my biggest asset."

He plans to push for equal job opportunity, more quality education for Milwaukee students, and to work specifically to dismantle mass incarceration.

Find out more about Kalan here. 

7. Ilhan Omar

Omar is the first Somali-American woman, and one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress. The history maker will represent the state of Minnesota, and will do all she can to ensure the peoples' voices are heard through her work. 

The born organizer and coalition builder plans to focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and education, and will also check those who need to be checked in the process. See below:

Find out more about Ilhan here. 

These young, Black politicians changed the face of politics amid one of the most tumultuous (and colorless) presidential administrations to date. This is real power, watch out 2019. 

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2019Ayanna PressleyBlack Politiciansmalcolm kenyattaMid-Term ElectionsPOLITICS