We were given the opportunity to vote, and yes America, we the people sure did. Don’t quote me, but I think typically slightly less than half the population of eligible voters who could exercise their right do so, and perhaps that is true for Tuesday’s mid-terms too. Why someone doesn’t vote does seem to be a question worth asking, and perhaps when possible, we could help people find the value of participating in this tenet of democracy. But that is not what I want to focus on today. Instead, I want to cheer those who came out in droves. Those communities that are feeling the pinch at the grocery store, the gas pumps, or finding a way to pay for health insurance and rent. Parents who are tired of sending their children to schools that teach them how to run from a murderer, instead of politicians reining in the NRA’s powerful hold and easy lies. The list of why people voted in 2026 is long and varied but wow, the collective voice was loud, echoing down every street with cheers and honking horns. These landslide victories rose up from the grassroots, literally.

Wednesday we woke to the bluest of skies, and exhaled. So much to let go of… and we wondered could it be true? Could the reign of absurdity be on the decline? Could the current old man in the White House wandering around overseeing his vanity projects instead of ensuring peace in the Middle East or farmer’s need for affordable diesel, could that man’s power be waning? We let that possibility sink in. And then we inhaled the likes of Abdul El-Sayed, James Talarico, Annie Andrews, Josh Turek, Troy Jackson, Gina Hinojosa and Keisha Lance Bottoms and on and on this fresh and energized new wave ready to roll up their sleeves and work for all Americans. Well, perhaps not for the Billionaires who have enriched themselves off our very livelihoods and our dreams these past two years. This will be seismic shift. A tall order to place in their freshmen hands. To actually right this sinking ship. But today, I will hold hope for them.

The Pacific Ocean has been quite a force crashing into the California coast this fall. El Niño and Kelvin Waves have caused destructive coastal flooding, with much more predicted for the winter months. Many of these King Tides are historic and have taken beaches clear out to sea. The force is something to behold, and as an ocean swimmer, it is with great respect that I enter this water. But on this morning, feeling this political blue wave, I made sure to get into the blue rolling ocean and float a bit, feeling gratitude for everyone who worked ceaselessly to bring about this hopeful day. They got us here, but it will take all of us to unify our country after a decade of division.

The next days, months and years are uncertain. But with the energy and vitality of youth, this new congress will throw off the stagnant and yesteryears of yesterday. It is truly time for a new beginning. Here, in the midst of Scorpio and the transition from autumn to winter, in the desperation and last stand of the confederacy, it is time to turn to those who have born the burden for centuries and ask them to lead us. I welcome the diversity, the unfamiliar names, the women, and can’t wait to see all that they will bring into the marble halls.