WASHINGTON (AP) — This fall, the Senate has the chance to make history by potentially electing two Black women, a remarkable event that has never occurred in the over 200-year history of Congress.
Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware emphasizes that her motivation for running is not just about making history but about creating real change and positively impacting people’s lives.
Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland pointed out that stories like hers typically don’t have representation in the U.S. Senate, adding, “but they should.”
If both Democratic candidates win their elections this November, the total number of Black women ever elected to the U.S. Senate would increase from two to four. Historically, this chamber, with its 100 members, has been predominantly filled with white men.
Throughout history, there has never been a time when two Black women served in the Senate simultaneously.
“I often wonder, how is that possible?” reflected Debbie Walsh, who directs the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
Walsh acknowledged the importance of including the perspectives of white male attorneys but stressed that they shouldn’t be the only voices represented.
However, there are still many challenges ahead before this historic moment can be realized. Control of Congress is fiercely contested, making the upcoming elections a close and uncertain race. Senate contests, in particular, are particularly competitive, intense, and expensive.
Blunt Rochester is likely to win against her Republican opponent after an uncontested primary on Tuesday for the seat currently held by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Carper in the state where President Joe Biden resides, and where she serves as the at-large representative to the House. In contrast, the race in Maryland between Alsobrooks and former Republican governor Larry Hogan is expected to be very close and could be crucial in determining which party secures a majority in the Senate.
Alsobrooks challenged expectations by defeating the wealthy David Trone in her primary, relying on solid grassroots and party support, which was highlighted in a memorable campaign ad featuring numerous supporters. She previously served as the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County and is now its County Executive.
On their private messaging group, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks refer to themselves as “sister senators-to-be” as they campaign beneath Vice President Kamala Harris, a colleague and friend who made history in 2016 by becoming the second Black woman elected to the Senate.
The first was Democratic Senator Carol Moseley Braun from Illinois, who served from 1992 to 1999. Harris was the second, and the third, Laphonza Butler, was appointed to finish the term of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who passed away in 2023.
“People are feeling both anxious and excited,” noted Glynda C. Carr, president and CEO of Higher Heights for America, an organization that supports the election of Black women to office.
What stands out in their campaigns is how both women celebrate their backgrounds, yet, like Harris, they do not overly emphasize the historical significance of their potential achievements, allowing voters to recognize their identities and experiences on their own terms.
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“Most of us understand we have much more in common than what divides us,” said Harris during a recent debate, dismissing comments from Trump that brought up her racial background.
While on the campaign trail, Blunt Rochester has shared stories about her great-great-great-grandfather, who had been enslaved in Georgia, and the significance of his right to vote during the Reconstruction Era.
Reflecting on this history, she mentioned her responsibility to pass down these lessons to her new granddaughter.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to running for office,” Blunt Rochester told AP.
She and Harris have a close bond, having entered Congress at the same time and frequently attending events of the Congressional Black Caucus together. “The most crucial thing is to be true to ourselves,” she expressed, adding that diverse experiences are essential in leadership.
Alsobrooks kicked off her Senate campaign by sharing her family’s story, highlighting their migration from South Carolina to Maryland after her great-grandfather was killed by a sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop.
She first met Harris as a young prosecutor, establishing a friendship over ten years ago.
Unlike the 2016 campaign, when Hillary Clinton wore a white suit in homage to the suffragettes, the current Senate candidates are broadening their appeal to connect with a wider audience while reflecting the nation’s growing diversity.
“We learned from 2016 that we shouldn’t lead with identity in the way Hillary Clinton did,” explained Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, an organization dedicated to uplifting women of color in leadership roles.
Allison indicated that this new generation of candidates showcases the ability to embrace multiple identities simultaneously. “It illustrates that you can care for individuals who differ from you, yet deserve to have their needs met and representation in government,” she stated.
Despite their determination, Black women face significant hurdles to reach this point in the election. The two-party system has often been unyielding in supporting Black women candidates and has too frequently doubted their ability to hold statewide offices, even when they have strong qualifications.
Over the years, political parties have not consistently provided the necessary resources to support Black women candidates. Strategists argue that had there been more support, these candidates might have succeeded in close races, perpetuating biased views regarding their electability.
Furthermore, the Senate could have included another Black woman, Representative Barbara Lee, who ran for the seat in California but did not advance after a competitive primary. Representative Adam Schiff emerged as the top Democratic candidate with significant party backing and is anticipated to win a seat currently held temporarily by Butler.
As the Senate approaches a 50-50 split, millions of dollars are being spent on campaigns in Maryland, where Hogan has been encouraged by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to help the GOP regain control.
Throughout the campaign, Alsobrooks and Hogan have expressed mutual respect. Alsobrooks acknowledged Hogan’s successes as a governor, but cautioned that he would cast decisive votes for the Republican Party in the Senate.
Hogan’s campaign team noted his respect for Alsobrooks and highlighted their collaborative efforts during his tenure.
“Our campaign is focused on Maryland and the concerns of its people, striving to elect an independent voice who prioritizes the state over party politics,” stated Hogan’s campaign spokesperson, Blake Kernen.
At the Democratic National Convention, the two candidates participated in an event at a historic Black history museum in Chicago, where Moseley Braun spoke, and Butler introduced them.
Blunt Rochester, dressed in a striking powder blue power suit, remarked that she stands on the shoulders of those who came before her and is ready to support those who follow.
