Only in America: You, Me, Winsome Sears, and Edward Durr

The American dream looks a lot like Virginia Lt. Gov.-elect Winsome Sears and New Jersey State Sen.-elect Edward Durr. Two names most Americans didn’t know until this week. Just like theirs, the American dream looks a lot like you and me.

Only in America can a Jamaican man start with 75 bucks in his pocket and later become the father of the first black woman elected lieutenant governor in Virginia.

But Sears’ story is not so much about making history as it is about who she is and what she’s accomplished.

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A Bible-believing Christian Republican who doesn’t fit the narrative of the Left. No victim, she ran a homeless shelter, married a fellow Marine and had children before running for office.

“I’m telling you that what you are looking at is the American dream,” Sears said during her victory speech. “When I joined the Marine Corps, I was still a Jamaican. But this country had done so much for me, I was willing, willing, to die for this country.”

Watching Sears Tuesday night reminded me of how exceptional everyday Americans are. Her story is one that any American can relate to. A land of opportunity blessed by God.

Only in America can a New Jersey truck driver, who spent a whopping $153 on his primary campaign, unseat one of the state’s most powerful politicians.

Republican Durr, a furniture company truck driver and first-time officeholder, officially defeated Democrat Steve Sweeney, the Democratic Senate president in the Garden State Thursday.

“I joked with people and I said, ‘I’m going to shock the world, I’m going to beat this man,’” Durr told the press Wednesday. “I was saying it, but really kind of joking. Because what chance did a person like me really stand against this man? He’s literally the second-most powerful person in the state of New Jersey.”

The Associated Press reports his campaign spent $66.64 at Dunkin to buy food and drinks for staff and $86.67 for paper flyers and business cards during the primary. He spent more on the general election. At least $5,000.

When Fox News asked Durr what the first thing he would do when he got to the state capitol he gave one of the most candid responses from a politician.

“I really don’t know,” he said. “That’s the key factor. I don’t know what I don’t know. So, I will learn what I need to know.”

Durr even shot his campaign ad on a cell phone:

These are just two Americans with incredible political upsets.

Every one of us has an “only in America” story or moment.

For me, it’s this.

Only in America can an Ohio country boy go from a horse farm to work as a reporter at Fox News in New York City and share stories with millions across the country for half a decade.

But just like Sears, Durr, and you — our story isn’t over. Every day is another opportunity to make American history and see God’s mighty hand at work.

Caleb Parke is the managing editor for ToddStarnes.com. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.