Black Women Candidates Could Make Senate History in Elections \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ This fall could mark a historic moment in the U.S. Senate as two Black women, Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland, are vying for seats. If elected, they would double the number of Black women ever to serve in the Senate and be the first to serve simultaneously. Their campaigns highlight the evolving diversity of the U.S. Congress, breaking barriers and reflecting the changing electorate.
Black Women in the Senate: Quick Looks
- Historic Candidacies: Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks are running for Senate seats, which could make them the first two Black women to serve in the chamber simultaneously.
- Milestone Potential: Their wins would bring the total number of Black women elected to the Senate from two to four in U.S. history.
- Blunt Rochester’s Journey: As Delaware’s at-large House representative, Blunt Rochester has a clear path after winning her primary; she’s focused on making a difference, not just making history.
- Alsobrooks’ Campaign: Alsobrooks faces a more competitive race in Maryland but has grassroots and party support, despite the challenge of running against Republican former governor Larry Hogan.
- Shifting Political Landscape: Their campaigns reflect a broader cultural shift as more diverse candidates seek office, signaling a Senate that could become more representative of the U.S. electorate.
Deep Look:
This fall’s U.S. Senate races could be historic, with two Black women on the verge of breaking a longstanding barrier in Congress. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks are both running for Senate seats, and if successful, would make history as the first two Black women to serve in the Senate at the same time. The Senate, a 100-member chamber that has historically been dominated by white men, has only seen two Black women elected in its more than 200-year history.
While making history isn’t their primary motivation, both candidates understand the significance of their campaigns. Blunt Rochester, Delaware’s at-large representative to the House, notes that her goal is not just to break barriers but to “make a difference” and have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Similarly, Alsobrooks, who serves as Prince George’s County Executive, says people with backgrounds like hers don’t typically make it to the Senate, “but they should.”
A Rare Milestone
If Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks win their respective races, they will double the number of Black women ever elected to the U.S. Senate—from two to four. The first Black woman elected was Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois in 1992, followed by Kamala Harris in 2016. Laphonza Butler became the third, appointed to fill the seat of California Senator Dianne Feinstein after her death in 2023, though Butler is serving on a temporary basis.
The significance of having two Black women elected to the Senate simultaneously is not lost on Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. “I have to pause and think, how is that possible?” she asked, underscoring the stark underrepresentation of Black women in the chamber. Walsh pointed out that while white male voices have been dominant in the Senate, they shouldn’t be “the only thing at the table.”
Blunt Rochester’s Campaign in Delaware
Blunt Rochester’s path to the Senate seat looks promising. Running unopposed in her primary, she is expected to easily defeat her Republican opponent in the November election. She is aiming to fill the seat vacated by Democratic Senator Tom Carper, who is retiring. Representing a small, politically blue state that is also the home of President Joe Biden, Blunt Rochester has been a key figure in Delaware politics.
Blunt Rochester has shared personal stories on the campaign trail, including the discovery of Reconstruction Era documents showing that her enslaved great-great-great-grandfather gained the right to vote after the Civil War. Reflecting on her family’s journey and the country’s progress, she’s mindful of what legacy she will leave for future generations, including her newborn granddaughter. “There isn’t a cookie-cutter way to run for office,” Blunt Rochester said, emphasizing the importance of showing up as her “authentic self.”
Alsobrooks’ Competitive Race in Maryland
In Maryland, Alsobrooks is in a more competitive race to succeed Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, who is retiring. Despite facing a tough challenge from Republican Larry Hogan, the popular former governor, Alsobrooks has already defied expectations by defeating wealthy primary opponent David Trone. Her deep grassroots and party support, showcased in a notable campaign ad featuring hundreds of backers, propelled her to the Democratic nomination.
Alsobrooks’ political resume includes her time as State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, where she made a name for herself as a rising star in Democratic politics. In her Senate campaign, she has embraced her personal story, which includes her family’s painful history. She shared in a campaign video that her great-grandfather was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy after a traffic stop in South Carolina, a tragedy that deeply influenced her career in public service.
Alsobrooks is also close to Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the second Black woman elected to the Senate in 2016. The two met when Alsobrooks was a young prosecutor, and they’ve built a friendship over more than a decade. Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks refer to themselves as “sister senators-to-be” on their private text chain, drawing strength from their shared experiences as they campaign for seats in the Senate.
A Shift in Political Strategy
The 2024 Senate races are unfolding in a shifting political landscape, where diverse candidates are increasingly stepping into leadership roles. Unlike previous campaigns that leaned heavily into identity politics, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks are taking a broader approach that highlights their qualifications and dedication to serving their communities. While they don’t shy away from their historic firsts, they are allowing voters to see them as Black women while focusing on the impact they aim to make.
“We learned from 2016, we’re not going to lead with identity in the same way that Hillary Clinton did,” said Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, an organization supporting women of color in leadership. Allison notes that today’s candidates demonstrate that they can hold “multiple identities” while still representing people from all backgrounds. The campaigns of Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks reflect this evolution, appealing to a diverse electorate in a more culturally nuanced way.
Challenges and Barriers for Black Women Candidates
The challenges faced by Black women running for office are still substantial. For years, Black women have struggled to gain support from political parties, facing skepticism about their ability to win statewide office. Even qualified candidates have often been overlooked, denied the resources they need to succeed. Despite this, Black women like Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks continue to break barriers, showing they can win tough races with the right backing.
In fact, the Senate could have gained another Black woman, Rep. Barbara Lee, who ran for the open Senate seat in California after Feinstein’s death. However, Rep. Adam Schiff garnered more support and emerged as the Democratic front-runner, likely to win the seat currently held by Laphonza Butler.
As the 2024 Senate races heat up, tens of millions of dollars are being spent, particularly in Maryland, where Hogan and Alsobrooks are locked in a close race. Hogan, recruited by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, is a key GOP contender as the party tries to regain control of the Senate.
Despite their political differences, Alsobrooks and Hogan have expressed mutual respect. Alsobrooks acknowledged Hogan as a good governor, but cautioned that his election to the Senate would solidify a Republican majority that could block progress on key issues. Hogan’s campaign, meanwhile, emphasized his commitment to putting Marylanders’ interests above party politics.
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