For the first time in history the U.S. will have two Black women holding positions as Senators. On Tuesday voters chose Lisa Blunt Rochester (left) of Delaware andAngela Alsobrooks (right) from Maryland to take their places in the U.S. Senate.
At 62, Blunt Rochester will be inaugurated as the first Black individual from Delaware in the U.S. Senate. She stated that she was “not running to make history” — her aim was to influence change.
Joe Biden reached out to Blunt Rochester to commend her on her groundbreaking victory in his home state on Tuesday evening.
“I stand here tonight deeply honored and with a heart overflowing with gratitude to God and the citizens of Delaware who have placed their confidence in me,” she expressed to the enthusiastic crowd at an election celebration.
Blunt Rochester triumphed over Republican contender Eric Hansen for the Senate seat.
Previously, just three women of color have served in the U.S. Senate: Carol Moseley Braun, Kamala Harris, and Laphonza Butler.
“The fabric of our nation grows stronger over the years through the spirit and sacrifices of those who dedicate themselves to service and through all of those who paved the way for us,” Blunt Rochester remarked.
“As I prepare to step into the path forged by three formidable Black women senators who have taken the lead before us –– I have a message for the youth who are rising up, raising their voices, and giving their all for their country and the world: I see you, I appreciate you, and you’re up next.”
Alsobrooks, at 53, a former County Executive and prosecutor, emerged victorious over the state’s former Republican governor, becoming Maryland’s first Black senator.
Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks have shared that they developed a friendship while campaigning in their respective states. Blunt Rochester informed the Associated Press that they refer to each other as “sister senator-to-be” in their private text conversations.