Black women in politics/ historic Senate race/ diversity in Congress/ Black women senators/ Newslooks/ Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland could make history by becoming the first two Black women to serve in the U.S. Senate at the same time. Their campaigns focus not just on making history, but on creating meaningful change and addressing issues such as economic inequality and social justice.
Black Women in Senate: Quick Looks:
- Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks aim to become the first two Black women to serve together in the U.S. Senate.
- Blunt Rochester’s race is nearly assured, while Alsobrooks faces a tighter contest in Maryland.
- Their elections could double the number of Black women ever elected to the Senate from two to four.
- Both candidates emphasize making a difference for all Americans, not just making history.
- Blunt Rochester has strong support in Delaware, while Alsobrooks faces former GOP governor Larry Hogan in Maryland.
Two Black Women Aim for Historic Wins in U.S. Senate Elections
Deep Look:
The upcoming Senate elections in November could lead to a historic milestone in U.S. politics, with Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland potentially becoming the first two Black women to serve in the Senate simultaneously. If elected, they will join the ranks of only two Black women ever elected to the chamber—former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun and current Vice President Kamala Harris, who served in the Senate from 2016 until 2021.
Both Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks are focused on making a difference, with Blunt Rochester stating her motivation is not about making history but improving people’s lives. Alsobrooks, on the other hand, believes her personal story, one that doesn’t often reach the U.S. Senate, should be represented in Congress.
Blunt Rochester’s path to the Senate seems nearly certain after her uncontested primary win in Delaware. She is running to replace retiring Democratic Senator Tom Carper, and her home state is solidly Democratic. Her win would mark a historic moment for Delaware, but more importantly for her, it represents the chance to bring her experience and dedication to social justice to the Senate.
In contrast, Alsobrooks faces a tougher race in Maryland. Her opponent, former Republican governor Larry Hogan, is a popular figure who could make the contest competitive. However, Alsobrooks has already upended expectations by defeating a well-funded opponent, David Trone, in the primary through grassroots campaigning and a broad base of party support. Her rise in politics began when she became Prince George’s County’s State’s Attorney and later County Executive, showing her deep roots in Maryland’s political landscape.
Both women have strong ties to Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the second Black woman ever elected to the Senate. Blunt Rochester and Harris entered Congress the same year, forming a close relationship, and Alsobrooks has been friends with Harris since their early days as prosecutors. The candidates refer to each other as “sister senators to be,” reflecting their shared sense of purpose in advancing their campaigns.
While history may be made if they are elected, both candidates focus less on their identity and more on their mission. Harris and Alsobrooks have avoided leading their campaigns with discussions of race, instead speaking to the shared challenges facing the electorate. Alsobrooks, in her campaign video, tells the story of her great-grandfather being shot by a sheriff’s deputy in South Carolina, driving home the importance of justice and fairness in her life and work.
For Blunt Rochester, her story is intertwined with that of her ancestors, including a great-great-great-grandfather who gained the right to vote during the Reconstruction Era. Her personal history has inspired her to fight for equality, opportunity, and justice for all. She hopes to pass these values on to her granddaughter and the next generation.
The road to their potential victories has not been easy. Black women running for high office face significant challenges, including biases about electability and insufficient resources from party leaders. Despite these hurdles, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks have demonstrated their ability to run strong campaigns, earning the support of voters across their states.
Alsobrooks’ race against Hogan could be decisive for the balance of power in the Senate, which is currently split nearly evenly between Republicans and Democrats. Tens of millions of dollars are pouring into the Maryland race, with Hogan positioned as a strong contender due to his bipartisan appeal. Alsobrooks has acknowledged Hogan’s tenure as governor but warns that a vote for him in the Senate would be a vote for the GOP’s agenda.
In Delaware, Blunt Rochester is all but assured victory, but her journey is no less significant. As one of the few Black women to serve in Congress, she has already made history. Her potential election to the Senate would continue her work on critical issues, including healthcare, education, and social justice.
Together, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks represent a new generation of leadership, one that reflects America’s growing diversity and a commitment to inclusion. Their elections would signal a cultural shift in Congress, where their voices, experiences, and identities would contribute to a more reflective and representative government.
As the campaigns continue, both women will undoubtedly face challenges, but their historic candidacies and focus on making a real impact will keep them on the path toward possible victory in November.
