Saira Blair is barely old enough to vote but she has already won a seat as a state representative in West Virginia. At 18-years-old, she is the youngest state lawmaker in the country.
Blair said: “History has been made tonight in West Virginia, and while I am proud of all that we have accomplished together, it is the future of this state that is now my singular focus.”
The Wall Street Journal reports that the fiscally conservative republican’s campaign focused on reducing taxes for businesses. Blair is also anti-abortion and endorsed by the NRA. She defeated her democrat opponent, 44-year-old Layne Diehl, with 63% of the vote.
Diehl said: “I’m very proud of the race that was run on both sides … Quite frankly a 17- or 18-year-old young woman that has put herself out there and won a political campaign has certainly brought some positive press to the state. I look forward to seeing what her leadership brings to the state of West Virginia.”
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the majority of state lawmakers are over 30-years-old. Only about 5% of state lawmakers are younger than 30.
Saira Blair isn’t the only woman who made waves in this election because of her age. Republican Elise Stefanik, 30, became the youngest congresswoman in history last night. Stefanik defeated Bill Owens in New York’s 21st district.
0 Comments