The House of Representatives is going to look a lot different come January — not just due to a Democratic majority, but also a record-breaking number of women, people of color, and LGBTQ members set to join Congress after last week’s midterm elections.

That sea change is depicted on the cover of the New Yorker, which Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) recently shared on Instagram with the caption “Knock knock.”

Ocasio-Cortez and some of her new Democratic House colleagues are in Washington, D.C. this week for orientation. And it’s very possible that nobody in this country is having more fun right now than Reps.-elect Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Ocasio-Cortez.


The 29-year-old Democratic socialist, who will officially become the youngest-ever congresswoman after stunning longtime Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) in June’s Democratic primary, has been documenting much of orientation on social media.

Don’t sleep on the IG 😉 https://t.co/ASvImKHLJV — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

I just want to bless everyone’s timeline with this video from @Ocasio2018’s IG. I’m all smiles for this clique of powerful, inspiring women of color. #thefutureisfemale pic.twitter.com/hXf3tywaJl — Houston (@starkid_wheeler) November 13, 2018

The group kicked things off by motivating more young women to run for political office.

Twitter exploded when images of the newly-elected Democrats, or “the real JUSTICE SQUAD,” hit social media.

The real JUSTICE LEAGUE pic.twitter.com/o63q6iMiXD — Alexandria Lafci (@laughsee) November 13, 2018

The newest members of Congress have also been busy getting to know some of their co-workers. Judging by social media, the most popular has been Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), who joined Reps.-elect Sharice Davids (D-KS), Antonio Delgado (D-NY), and Omar for pictures.

A true honor to be in the company of an American hero @repjohnlewis. I’m able to serve because of his leadership and courage. pic.twitter.com/FM0EvQqlxA — Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY19) November 14, 2018

We are in Washington DC this week for new member orientation. I am ready to get to work for the people of #KS03! pic.twitter.com/VbYyLtVZNp — Sharice Davids (@sharicedavids) November 14, 2018

It’s an honor to get to meet and soon serve beside a civil rights icon like @repjohnlewis. Thank you for helping pave the way for all of us, Congressman! pic.twitter.com/k99sbY1xGz — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 14, 2018

The first Native American women ever elected to Congress also posed together, as Davids tweeted an image with Rep.-elect Deb Haaland (D-NM).

I am honored to be a part of this time in history when so many new voices are being included in our national discussion. It will be a special privilege to serve alongside @Deb4CongressNM. I am inspired by the work she has done for her community & am grateful for her friendship. pic.twitter.com/fUHCubmE3M — Sharice Davids (@sharicedavids) November 13, 2018

Omar and Tlaib, the first Muslim women ever elected to Congress, were pictured on the House floor with Reps.-elect Lucy McBath (D-GA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Davids.

Started from the bottom, now we’re here. pic.twitter.com/zu2NqMC8AH — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 14, 2018

Rep.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), who became the first Democrat to win her district in 50 years, also tweeted an image from the House floor with Reps.-elect Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

Taking a tour of the House floor with fellow Representative-elect friends last night! pic.twitter.com/XFnyhxqDkP — Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerVA07) November 14, 2018

The latest additions to Virginia’s congressional delegation, Reps.-elect Elaine Luria (D), Jennifer Wexton (D), and Spanberger, also posed together at orientation.

So excited to see @ElaineLuriaVA and @SpanbergerVA07 at New Member Orientation. Virginia women coming to shake up the House! pic.twitter.com/sl71HGZUgf — Jennifer Wexton (@JenniferWexton) November 13, 2018

New York’s newest members of Congress made time to meet, as Delgado tweeted an image with Reps.-elect Anthony Brindisi (D) and Max Rose (D).

Proud to serve the people of New York with @MaxRose4NY and @ABrindisiNY pic.twitter.com/JE8l988e1h — Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY19) November 14, 2018

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) welcomed his new Democratic colleagues in Illinois’ congressional delegation, Reps.-elect Sean Casten, Jesús García, and Lauren Underwood.

Today, I introduced Representatives-elect @SeanCasten @ChuyForCongress and @LUnderwood630 to House Democrats in our caucus meeting. I am excited about the new energy, ideas, perspective, and principled values these incoming Members will bring to the House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/1u12ItAULP — Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) November 14, 2018

Twenty-nine-year-old Rep.-elect Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), who narrowly missed out on the title of youngest-ever congresswoman, tweeted about walking onto the House floor for the first time.

Just walked onto the floor of the US House of Representatives for the first time as a member-elect. I sat there in gratitude and respect for my home, my state, my district and the work that lies ahead. I walked out looking up to that quote. Fitting. So much hope. Ready to serve. pic.twitter.com/mhkvk73t74 — Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) November 14, 2018

Thirty-one-year-old Rep.-elect Katie Hill (D-CA), who will be among the first openly bisexual members of Congress, shared an image of her official lanyard.

Day one of freshman orientation is complete — it’s not real until you get the official lanyard! So thankful to be here with a group of new representatives who are younger and more diverse than ever before! pic.twitter.com/rkxwy5pPxn — Katie Hill (@KatieHill4CA) November 14, 2018

Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman ever elected to Congress, got to know some her new colleagues in Michigan’s Democratic congressional delegation.

Meet #Michigan’s new Democratic delegation for the 116th Congress! The new Democratic majority is ready to focus on lowering health care costs, protecting Medicare & Social Security, improving our infrastructure & cleaning up government to make it work #ForThePeople. pic.twitter.com/WH9S2Z8Kwv — Rep. Dan Kildee (@RepDanKildee) November 13, 2018

The 42-year-old congresswoman-elect also documented her new office.

New generation of public servants means new voices needed at the table. This is the committee I am advocating to serve on. Representing #13thDistrictStrong, 3rd poorest district in the nation, deserves a voice. #rootedincommunity pic.twitter.com/iKRIImMSsy — Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 13, 2018

As did Ocasio-Cortez, who compared Congress to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.

I find @Ocasio2018’s Instagram stories about so endearing. pic.twitter.com/4StUMAhGMM — Sarah Carlson (@sarahkcarlson) November 14, 2018

Pressley, the 44-year-old Boston city council member who will be the first Black congresswoman from Massachusetts, documented her trip to D.C.

Seeing the diverse new Congress prepare to take its place in history is already providing inspiration.

These photos of @Ocasio2018, @AyannaPressley, @RashidaTlaib and @IlhanMN are giving me life because I know how important it's for girls and young women of color to see representatives who look like them and who support each other.https://t.co/h8WelO3jxq — Andrea González-Ramírez (@andreagonram) November 13, 2018

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are the first two Muslim women in Congress. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks frequently about her Catholic faith. Ayanna Pressley is the granddaughter of a Baptist minister. The Religious Left is diverse, growing, and reshaping American politics. pic.twitter.com/Xz8pZWekDI — Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons (@GuthrieGF) November 13, 2018

But don’t think this is a sight-seeing tour, as Omar made clear on Twitter.

We did not come to play. ✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 https://t.co/O6MzKKbCgI — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 13, 2018

The group took part in the Progressive Caucus’ multilingual press conference, with Ocasio-Cortez tweeting that “Representation matters.”

Proud to say our first @USProgressives press conference w/ new members was multilingual. Representation matters. https://t.co/z5JxIPTJuJ — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

When Pressley, who upset longtime Rep. Mike Capuano (D-MA) in September’s Democratic primary, was asked about representing a majority-white district, Omar noted the hypocrisy of the question.

Reporter asks @AyannaPressley about being black & representing a white district "The question is never asked of a white candidate who represents a minority-majority district," @IlhanMN says in defense, to big applause from fellow CPC. We're in "new era focused on whats at stake" — Jeff Stein (@JStein_WaPo) November 12, 2018

The 36-year-old Somali refugee is hitting the halls of Congress running, using her improbable story to spread hope and awareness of the plight of refugees.

“I talk all the time about the eight-year-old me and all the eight-year-olds who are living in their camps. I hope my victory gives them hope.”https://t.co/kJ0JEBohyW — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 13, 2018

Omar also corrected a tweet by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who had claimed the country’s system for asylum was “broken,” noting, “People who are so ignorant of our laws are creating laws, no wonder we are in such a mess.”

.@SenTomCotton let me help you with this, you have to be physically in the US to seek asylum here! That’s how our system works. People who are so ignorant of our laws are creating laws, no wonder we are in such a mess 🤦🏽‍♀️ https://t.co/aOelIsD3XS — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 11, 2018

Underwood, the 32-year-old congresswoman-elect from Illinois, made it clear that health care would be the focus of the new Congress.

This was the health care election—Americans rose up & said decisively that we will NOT tolerate attacks on our care. I look forward to working with colleagues in Congress to strengthen the ACA & cement protections for people with pre-existing conditions.https://t.co/P7Tj1l8QZg — Lauren Underwood (@LUnderwood630) November 14, 2018

Pressley used her platform to support Stacey Abrams (D) in the ongoing vote count and legal fight against vote suppressor and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp (R), in that state’s gubernatorial race.

This is no "desperate ploy" Brian Kemp, this is what determined justice looks like. We will count every vote in #Georgia The sacrifices of the freedom riders before us, demands we do so. We've got your back @staceyabrams #TeamAbrams, use our platform, tell us what else you need. pic.twitter.com/P5Aao9NFXM — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 10, 2018

The Massachusetts congresswoman-elect also called for more gun control.

I am sick & tired of being sick & tired. I can't wait to fight in Congress for real federal investment in the #CDC so they can study the root causes of #gunviolence. We also need federal dollars for #trauma supports for impacted communities & families. https://t.co/lyRq7Q1XbV — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 13, 2018

Violent crime is one the rise, #gun #fatalities are on the rise, #suicide is on the rise. We've got work to do and I intend to focus on reducing and preventing #gunviolence and supporting survivors of it, https://t.co/DAcaPiI4P2 — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 13, 2018

We need: 1)comprehensive #gunviolence prevention 2)criminal background checks on every gun sale 3)to close the boyfriend loophole. Every life we're robbed of, on a city block, at a school, club/concert or at a faith house is of value. I want justice & to prevent more tragedies. — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 13, 2018

And finally,we know #violence is a byproduct of #poverty For as long as we have income, wealth & wage disparities, we will have violence in our society, which is why so many experience intergenerational poverty, violence & #trauma #enough Now is the time to be bold, tackle it all — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 13, 2018

This is an urban, suburban, rural issue. Newspaper headlines may move on, public attention may move on, I will not. This is a matter of #publichealth #publicsafety I plan to remain uncomfortable AND to make others uncomfortable until we pass comprehensive, sensible prevention leg — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) November 13, 2018

Hill reacted to last week’s Borderline Bar shooting, in which multiple constituents from her district were killed, by calling for more gun control.

The #BorderlineShooting is a tragedy for our community. We owe it to the victims and their loved ones to be accountable not only with our words, but with our actions. My full statement: https://t.co/yLW4zJMFhT — Katie Hill (@KatieHill4CA) November 12, 2018

This is about saving lives. The vast majority of people — gun owners and gun violence prevention activists alike — agree that policies like the #GVRO and high capacity magazine ban should be in place and be implemented across the country. — Katie Hill (@KatieHill4CA) November 12, 2018

Tlaib wore a pin supporting the movement that describes itself as battling “hate & bigotry against all, including Arab & Muslim Americans & refugees.”

On Tuesday, she joined Ocasio-Cortez in addressing the Sunrise Movement, a group of young people that advocates for fighting climate change.

omg. @Ocasio2018 & @RashidaTlaib just ended their first day of orientation as new congresswomen by talking to @sunrisemvmt. It was 🔥. We finally have politicians in Congress who are fighting for our lives alongside us. I’m shaking. pic.twitter.com/ymtMd5EVKc — Garrett Blad (@gblad) November 13, 2018

.@Ocasio2018 ending her first full day in DC by standing on a table at a grassroots youth organizing training, demanding Green Jobs for All. This is a good start. https://t.co/wOcXRrJhAQ — Duncan Meisel (@duncanwrites) November 13, 2018

Representatives like me and @Ocasio2018 will always be there for this @sunrisemvmt, because we simply cannot wait – the planet is running out of time. We need bold, immediate federal climate action! pic.twitter.com/rotmanp41X — Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 13, 2018

Then Ocasio-Cortez joined protesters in the office of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to call for bold action against climate change.

Incoming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins sit-in in Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi's office calling for efforts to combat climate change: "We don't have a choice." https://t.co/uEMkN3JpIz pic.twitter.com/tMaaFGL0hR — ABC News (@ABC) November 13, 2018

"I, not just as an elected member, but as a 29 year old woman, am thinking not just about what we're going to accomplish in the next two years, but the America we're going to live in for the next 30 years. I don't want to see Miami [&] my own district under water." – @Ocasio2018 https://t.co/OzNJcNQZev — Geoffrey Supran (@GeoffreySupran) November 13, 2018

A few hours later, the congresswoman-elect from the Bronx thanked Pelosi after she expressed her support for reinstating a House committee on climate change.

I have spoken with @NancyPelosi about how our commitments to climate change should take shape in the 116th Congress. Her office has responded quickly, and she has recommended the reinstatement of the Select Committee on Climate Change. pic.twitter.com/LHI6koUto6 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

Thank you, @NancyPelosi. We have 10 years left to plan and implement a Green New Deal before cataclysmic climate disaster. Reinstating the Select Committee is exactly what we need to do. https://t.co/Uy5BnrLZcR — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

Then Ocasio-Cortez shifted her focus to New York’s $1.7 billion deal with Amazon.

We’ve been getting calls and outreach from Queens residents all day about this. The community’s response? Outrage. https://t.co/Jl4OIfa4gC — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

Amazon is a billion-dollar company. The idea that it will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks at a time when our subway is crumbling and our communities need MORE investment, not less, is extremely concerning to residents here. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

When we talk about bringing jobs to the community, we need to dig deep:

– Has the company promised to hire in the existing community?

– What’s the quality of jobs + how many are promised? Are these jobs low-wage or high wage? Are there benefits? Can people collectively bargain? — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

Displacement is not community development. Investing in luxury condos is not the same thing as investing in people and families. Shuffling working class people out of a community does not improve their quality of life. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

We need to focus on good healthcare, living wages, affordable rent. Corporations that offer none of those things should be met w/ skepticism. It’s possible to establish economic partnerships w/ real opportunities for working families, instead of a race-to-the-bottom competition. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

Lastly, this isn’t just about one company or one headquarters. It’s about cost of living, corps paying their fair share, etc. It’s not about picking a fight, either. I was elected to advocate for our community’s interests – & they‘ve requested, clearly, to voice their concerns. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 13, 2018

Zephyr Teachout, who lost to Letitia James in the race to become New York’s attorney general, praised Ocasio-Cortez Tuesday and said “this is what Democrats can and should do.”

So inspired that @Ocasio2018 is starting her second day on Capitol Hill by taking on the Amazon behemoth. She's not playing. This is what Democrats can and should do–take on the monopolies with no apologies, stand up for working class and poor people who aren't getting breaks. — Zephyr Teachout (@ZephyrTeachout) November 13, 2018

Though the incoming members will face new pressures once Congress is in session, their stories, accessibility, and age make them rising Democratic stars that will likely be worth watching for years to come.

This article was updated to include a tweet from Rep. Rush.