BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The November general election brought historic changes, with some voters calling the results a \u201cblue wave.\u201d 23 ABC spoke with local voters and a political science professor to get answers about what these results could mean for our community.<\/p>\n
For some voters, election night brought a reason to celebrate. For others, the results left more questions than answers.<\/p>\n
Michelle Reade says while she may not agree with the direction of the election, her concerns go beyond party politics.<\/p>\n
\u201cRepublicans tend to be a little more budgetary, not that they\u2019re perfect no one is,\u201d said Reade. \u201cI have a grown up son, a teenager and some little [ones] and its hard for me to hear from my older boys that they\u2019re probably never going to be able to afford a house because of how expensive it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Democratic voters, meanwhile, are celebrating a string of major wins, from governor\u2019s races in Texas and Georgia to control of Congress.<\/p>\n
Democrats are projected to take both the House and Senate, a significant shift in Washington.<\/p>\n
Some are calling the results a \u201cblue wave,\u201d but the big question now is what that shift could actually mean for voters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to know how to choose our government officials. I\u2019m happy because there are four female governors,\u201d said Ramon Castro. \u201cIf we don’t vote, what happens? The situation could become more complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n
But beyond the celebrations and disappointment, what does this political shift actually mean for the country?<\/p>\n
Local political science professor Ian Anderson says it could start with a change in which issues get priority in Washington.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe economic issues, in particular gas prices, international things like the war in Iran, you’re going to see a different type of focus on those and reception to policies, funding priorities, things like that coming out of the white house as well, January going forward,\u201d said Anderson.<\/p>\n
But Anderson says a shift in power doesn\u2019t guarantee a shift in policy.<\/p>\n
The next test will be whether lawmakers can turn voters\u2019 concerns into action on issues like affordability, gas prices and foreign policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t think any elected official can ever get truly comfortable, right? No matter how long you sit in office,\u201d said Anderson. \u201cYou’re still accountable to your constituents.\u201d<\/p>\n
While ballots are still being counted, voters won’t actually see changes take effect until January 1.<\/p>\n
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