The 2018 midterm election results have been pouring in throughout the night and into the early morning after polls closed on Tuesday, November 6. But while some close races are still being counted, we do know that two former college football stars will be making their way from the gridiron to Congress; one a former first-round pick.
In the state of Ohio, former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver and Indianapolis Colts 2007 first-round pick Anthony Gonzalez won his race in Ohio’s 16th congressional district. Gonzalez, who was running as a Republican, was able to defeat Democratic candidate Susan Moran Palmer.
“n these divided times, my commitment is to be a voice for the enduring values that have inspired every generation of Americans since our founding days. It will be with an unyielding respect for the universal dignity and common humanity of every American that I will walk through any door to work on behalf of Northeast Ohio — our families and our workers,” Gonzalez said in a statement after his win.
“The United States is and will always be a beacon of hope for the world. The longing for the blessings of liberty and the opportunity it affords led my paternal grandparents to escape communist Cuba in search of a better life. It was with a commitment to protect and defend the American experiment that led my maternal grandfather to risk his own life on the shores of Italy during World War II. The values I learned from their tremendous examples and those of my parents will act as a constant source of inspiration as I seek to move our community forward.”
Thank you!
Read full statement here: https://t.co/dDK8WBRFNS pic.twitter.com/YtKTvUTyPH— Anthony Gonzalez (@anthonygonzalez) November 7, 2018
The other former college football player to win an election was Democratic candidat Colin Allred, who played linebacker for the Baylor Bears and Tennessee Titans. Allred was able to defeat Republican candidate Pete Sessions in Texas’ 32nd district.
“This victory would not have been made possible without you,” Allred wrote. “This people-powered campaign has made history tonight and North Texans made their voice heard. Now the real work begins. Thank you North Texas!”
This victory would not have been made possible without you. This people-powered campaign has made history tonight and North Texans made their voice heard. Now the real work begins. Thank you North Texas! #TX32
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) November 7, 2018
Following the midterm elections, the Republican Party was able to strengthen its hold on the Senate, while the Democrats won more than 25 seats in order to take control of the House of Representatives.
