Editorial | Hope survives

Donald Trump won the presidential race, and many students across the University of Pittsburgh Oakland Campus are distressed. With threats to disband the Department of Education, remove birthright citizenship and pardon insurrectionists from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol building, it is understandable why there is a veil of uncertainty in the air.

Despite all the unease and uncertainty around what 2025 will bring, Tuesday still brought a lot of hope for a positive future. That is what we should hold on to as we enter our next presidential administration.

Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender woman to serve in the House of Representatives. Her win is a rejection of those espousing anti-trans rhetoric and a milestone for the national LGBTQ+ movement. Trump spent the summer playing highly transphobic advertisements across swing states, but McBride’s win proves that eliminating gender-affirming healthcare and enabling anti-trans behavior was just not on the docket last week. On Capitol Hill, McBride intends to lower the cost of healthcare, advocate for the working class and promote sustainability. She called the 2024 election a “dual story of pain and progress,” which is a good message to lean on from this divisive election.

In other positive news, this is the first time in American history two Black women will be serving on the Senate at the same time. Democrats Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland both won seats last Tuesday night. Both are also the first Black senators from their respective states. The two became friends along the campaign trail, calling each other “sister senator-to-be” in their private chats. Their win is a historic breakthrough for representation — not only does it mark a step toward a more inclusive Senate, but it also signals hope for Black women and other underrepresented communities.

Across the country, seven of 10 states approved ballot measures protecting abortion access. This is a resounding win for bodily autonomy, as the American people showed up to tell their legislators just how important reproductive rights are to them. This win is a powerful affirmation that personal freedom and healthcare decisions belong in the hands of individuals rather than the government. When the people speak, they come out resounding for access to abortion. It will be a stark reminder to legislators as they gear up for the next campaign cycle, knowing what it is their constituents really want.

Hope is hard to come by. It is much more easily lost than it is gained. But this election serves as a reminder that even in uncertain times, victory is possible. Progress, though often hard-won, is still possible. As we face challenges ahead, it is crucial to hold on to the steps forward we’ve made and continue pushing for a future that reflects the values of equality, autonomy and representation that millions of Americans have championed for this election season.

The Pitt News editorial is a weekly article written by the opinions editors in collaboration with all other desk editors. It reflects the collective opinion of the current Pitt News editorial staff.