This 18-year-old is now the youngest elected official in the U.S.

Most of us, it's safe to say, didn't spend the beginning of our college years running for public office. But that's exactly how Saira Blair has spent the end of her high school career and the beginning of her freshman year of college at West Virginia University.

Her efforts haven't been in vain: Blair made history yesterday when the 18-year-old Republican defeated her 44-year-old Democratic opponent to win a seat in West Virginia's House of Delegates, becoming the youngest elected official in the U.S.

"When I made the decision to run for public office, I did so because I firmly believe that my generation's voice, fresh perspective and innovative ideas can help solve some of our state's most challenging issues," Blair wrote in a Facebook post.

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Despite her age, Blair, who ran on a pro-gun, anti-abortion platform, is no stranger to politics: Her father is West Virginia State Senator Craig Blair.