Democrats Have Strong Chance to Double Number of Black Women in Senate

On a historic Wednesday in Paris, Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black female senator elected from Illinois, celebrated the news that Angela Alsobrooks had clinched the Democratic nomination for an open Senate seat in Maryland. This victory sets the stage for a potentially groundbreaking outcome in the November elections.

With Angela Alsobrooks's unexpected triumph in Tuesday's primary, the upcoming November elections could witness a significant milestone. If Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester also secures the Democratic nomination for an open Senate seat in Delaware, it would mark the first time in U.S. history that two Black women simultaneously serve in the Senate.

Long-Awaited Recognition

Carol Moseley Braun, who broke barriers as the first Black female senator in 1992, expressed relief and surprise at the recent turn of events. Reflecting on the significance of this moment, she highlighted the lengthy journey that has led to this potential achievement.

The Democratic Party has faced criticism for its historic lack of full support for Black women in statewide elections. This narrative was echoed in the overlooked candidacy of Representative Barbara Lee, a seasoned political figure, in this year's open Senate seat race in California.

Should both Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester emerge victorious in November, it would not only be a triumph for these individual candidates but also a testament to the resilience and progress of Black women in U.S. politics.