Breaking 235 Years of Senate History: Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Blunt Rochester Make Groundbreaking Wins
In a watershed moment for American democracy, Tuesday’s election results have set the stage for an unprecedented development in the U.S. Senate’s 235-year history: two Black women will serve simultaneously in the upper chamber.
The groundbreaking victory
Angela Alsobrooks secured her Senate race victory on Tuesday, while Lisa Blunt Rochester claimed a decisive win in Delaware’s heavily Democratic contest. This historic outcome puts into stark perspective the slow pace of diversity in Congress’s upper chamber.
“Now, it’s remarkable to think that in two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday, and in all those years, there have been more than 2,000 people who have served in the United States Senate, and only three have looked like me,” Alsobrooks reflected on her victory.
Beyond symbolic representation
Both senators-elect have taken a measured approach to their historic achievement, following a strategy similar to that of Vice President Kamala Harris. As Blunt Rochester explained to POLITICO in September, “It is good to make history, in some ways, because hopefully you knock down the door and somebody can see themselves in you. It can’t be the sole motivation.”
California Sen. Laphonza Butler, who chose not to pursue a full Senate term, provided insight into this approach: “The one thing that a Black woman does not have to do … is remind people that she’s Black.”
Building strong alliances
Despite representing neighboring states, Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester’s relationship blossomed during their concurrent Senate campaigns. Their bond strengthened particularly during Alsobrooks’ primary, when she faced controversial comments from opponent David Trone about needing “training wheels” in the Senate—remarks that drew sharp criticism from Black women leaders.
Both senators-elect share meaningful connections with Vice President Harris. Alsobrooks considers Harris “a friend, mentor and role model,” a relationship that began 14 years ago when Harris reached out following Alsobrooks’ election as State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County. Blunt Rochester’s connection to Harris developed through their concurrent congressional service and their shared work with the Biden administration.
Looking ahead: A bold agenda
During a panel at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, Alsobrooks promised that she and Blunt Rochester “would be quite bold” as senators. Their preliminary agenda includes addressing maternal mortality rates, which disproportionately affect Black women.
Breaking the “Only One” barrier
Sen. Butler, who became the only Black woman in the Senate following Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s passing, expressed enthusiasm about this evolution: “When you’re in the room, as the only, you go in there as the voice of millions. I’m so excited that we are about to move beyond the acceptance of having just one, we’re going to be bold enough to send two.”
This historic development marks not just a numerical milestone but represents a significant step forward in diversifying America’s highest legislative body, promising new perspectives and voices in national policymaking.