In a groundbreaking election that has reshaped the face of the United States Senate, Senate-elect Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) will soon make history as the first two Black women to serve together in the esteemed legislative body. Their victories mark a significant milestone for both Delaware and Maryland, states that have never had a Black senator and where Delaware has never been represented by a woman in the Senate.
Making and Joining History
Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks will become the fourth and fifth Black women to serve in the Senate. They join the ranks of Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.) and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first and second Black women senators, respectively. Although Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) is currently the third serving Black woman, her appointment followed the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein and does not count as an elected position.
“It’s remarkable to think that in two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday,” Alsobrooks stated during her victory speech on Tuesday evening. “And in all those years, there have been more than 2,000 people who have served in the United States Senate. Only three have looked like me.”
Blunt Rochester recently became an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and Alsobrooks is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. With their historic wins, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks challenge the status quo and signal a hopeful future for diversity and representation within American politics.
“I have a message to the young people who are standing up, speaking up and giving your all for your country and the world: I see you. I’m grateful to you. And you got next,” Blunt Rochester said in her victory speech.