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Elise Stefanik Makes History, Becomes Youngest Woman Ever In U.S. Congress

By Jonathan Franks
Published on: 23:49 PST, Nov 4, 2014

Elise Stefanik had two things to celebrate on Tuesday night once the results of the elections were confirmed.

First and foremost, Elise Stefanik was able to take 56 percent of the 21st district in New York – winning her a seat in the U.S. Congress.

In addition, the 30-year-old Republican made history by becoming the youngest woman ever to get elected into the U.S. Congress.

Daily Mail reports that the Bush Administration veteran will officially hold the seat that was vacated by retiring three-term incumbent Bill Owens from the Democratic Party. While touring small businesses along the main drag of Old Forge back in September, Elise Stefanik had a lot to say about the challenge that Republicans faced when it came to reaching out to voters within her specific district.

“It’s not news to anyone that Republicans have struggled to reach out to voters in my specific demographic: young women who are professional, not married — that was one of President Obama’s most enthusiastic voting blocs… There is an appetite in this district for a new type of Republican.”

Since there are not very many congressional seats that are in play every two years, it is a challenge for Republican women to take advantage of this type of opportunity. However, Stefanik was clearly able to take full advantage of the opening that she discovered within the 21st Congressional District of New York.

Elise Stefanik had to fight through a lot of residency questions to win the nomination from her party back in June.

The veteran Washington operative was also known for having an active role in Mitt Romney’s campaign back in 2012 when he tried to defeat President Barack Obama in the 2012 election. One of the primary factors that initially turned voters away from taking Elise Stefanik seriously is this election season was her age.

However, most voters were able to eventually start viewing her young age as a strength more than a weakness, such as local Old Forge businessman Chip Kiefer.

“That was everybody’s first impression: She’s just too young. But having young energy is a good thing for us.”

Chip Kiefer, the owner of Souvenir Village in Old Forge, displayed an “Elise for Congress” sign in the front window of his business. Before Elise Stefanik, Congress Democrat Elizabeth Holtzman was known for being the youngest woman in the U.S. Congress after being elected in 1979, according to ABC News. In an interview with the New York Post, Holtzman expressed her own thoughts about Elise Stefanik.

“I’m just sorry it’s a not a Democrat. But hats off to her. We need more young women in Congress.”

Quite a few people have expressed their excitement over Elise Stefanik getting elected on Twitter.

Elise Stefanik is a former aide to President George W. Bush and Harvard University graduate.

[Image Credit: North Country Public Radio]

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