Donald Trump had a remarkable year, dominating the Republican primary and facing various challenges, from legal troubles to an assassination attempt. Despite this, he secured a decisive victory in the November election, making history as the second president to lose and then win back the White House. Susie Wiles, his co-campaign manager, is set to become the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff. Additionally, Rep. Elise Stefanik made headlines for her tough questioning of university presidents on free speech and antisemitism issues. Lina Khan, the youngest-ever chair of the Federal Trade Commission, has taken on powerful corporations, while Dara Lindenbaum aims to bring change to the Federal Election Commission. In Congress, Democratic Sens.-elect Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester are set to make history as the first pair of Black women to serve together in the Senate.
d.) Tom Carper (D-Del.) each achieved significant wins that will grant them unique positions in the Senate compared to their peers. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) is set to become the Senate majority leader, succeeding Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Mitch McConnell (Ky.) to lead the Senate Republicans. Thune has committed to providing more opportunities for Republicans to participate in debates and amendments on the Senate floor. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is gaining prominence as a moderate Republican and key swing vote following the retirement of other centrist senators. She played a crucial role in passing major bipartisan legislation during President Biden’s term. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has faced challenges leading the House Republicans, describing it as akin to dealing with exotic animals, some with rabies. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) has earned a reputation as a bipartisan dealmaker for his work on border security reform. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has quickly made her mark as a fierce Democratic advocate on Capitol Hill. Lastly, Representative-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.) is poised to make history with her upcoming swearing-in as a member of Congress.
Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress. She has been a trailblazer in her advocacy work, including becoming the nation’s first out trans state legislator in 2020 and being the first trans person to speak at a major party convention at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. Read more about her accomplishments here.
Representative Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) is passionate about immigrant rights, a personal issue for her. She believes in building connections between immigration and the economy to unite people, including Republicans, on these important issues. Ramirez emphasizes the need for Democrats to work on bridging this gap for future progress. Read more about her work here.
During a press conference reintroducing the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) focused on dispelling misinformation following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. He and his team worked tirelessly to provide accurate information and resources to help the state recover. Edwards stressed the importance of combating false facts hindering recovery efforts. Read more about his efforts here.
CNN anchor Dana Bash played a significant role in the 2024 presidential race by moderating key debates and interviews. As the host of “Inside Politics,” she led discussions that influenced major political events, such as President Biden’s decision to exit the race. Read more about her contributions here.
Fox News reporter Trey Yingst covered intense overseas conflicts in Ukraine and Israel throughout the year. As Fox’s top foreign correspondent, Yingst reported on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the aftermath of Hamas’ attack in Israel. Read more about his reporting here.
MSNBC’s Katie Phang navigated a challenging year of legal and political news with her show, the “Katie Phang Show.” Her strong legal background and trial experience proved invaluable in addressing the complex legal issues that emerged. Phang emphasized the relevance of her expertise in covering current events. Read more about her insights here.
NewsNation anchor Nichole Berlie faced personal challenges in 2024, including battling cancer. Her experience as a cancer survivor brought a new perspective and empathy to her reporting, allowing her to connect more deeply with the stories she covers. Berlie reflected on the profound impact of her health journey on her approach to journalism. Read more about her journey here.
The commitment to educating young people about democracy has never been stronger. Close Up Foundation, established in 1971, aims to provide students with a firsthand experience of how democracy functions. The foundation’s CEO, Eric Adydan, emphasizes the importance of bringing students from diverse backgrounds together to not only learn about government but also to foster mutual understanding and respect for differing viewpoints.
In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in labor activism, spurred by skyrocketing inflation rates. The years 2023 and 2024 witnessed a notable increase in labor strikes across various industries, as workers sought improved pay and working conditions amidst rising prices. Notably, Shawn Fain, the leader of the United Auto Workers (UAW), played a pivotal role in orchestrating successful strikes within the automotive sector. Fain’s innovative tactics not only benefited his union but also garnered attention when President Biden joined him on a picket line, marking a historic moment in U.S. presidential history.
Meanwhile, José Andrés, renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, continues to make a positive impact through his humanitarian efforts. Despite his busy schedule managing multiple ventures and initiatives, Andrés remains dedicated to serving those in need. His guiding principle, “What you wish for yourself, you must wish for others,” underscores his unwavering commitment to helping communities in crisis.
Ella Milman’s determination to secure her son’s release from captivity in Russia exemplifies a mother’s unwavering love and hope. Despite facing adversity, Milman maintains a sense of patience and optimism, believing in her son’s eventual return. Her resilience and faith serve as a testament to the power of a mother’s love and perseverance.
On the labor front, Sean O’Brien, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, has navigated a tumultuous year marked by significant challenges and milestones. O’Brien’s historic address at the Republican National Convention sparked debates and discussions within the labor movement, highlighting the complexities of political affiliations and advocacy in the labor sector.
As these individuals continue to make their mark in their respective fields, they embody the spirit of dedication, resilience, and leadership in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as inspiration for others striving to create positive change and advocate for social justice.
