Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks have made Senate history by becoming the first two Black women elected to the upper house of Congress at the same time in over two centuries.
On January 3, the two will take the oath of office, making them the fourth and fifth Black women to hold the Senate.
Carol Moseley Braun was the first Black woman elected in 1992, followed by Kamala Harris, who was elected in 2016, and Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to serve out the remainder of the term of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, which runs its course in January.
Before their historic win, Rochester told NBC News while campaigning that her motivation for aiming for the position wasn’t just to make history: “I’m doing this to make a difference.”
The 62-year-old, a Democrat, became the first Black woman to represent Delaware in the Senate after defeating Republican Eric Hansen and independent Mike Katz.
According to Delaware Republic Media, Rochester, who has been Delaware’s only representative in the U.S. House since 2017, will succeed fellow Democrat Tom Carper, who is leaving the Senate after more than 20 years in office.
She stated in her victory speech on Tuesday night, “In Delaware, as we embark upon this new journey, here is my commitment to you. That I will go to the Senate each and every day with you in my heart and on my mind, whether you voted for me or not.”
Likewise, Alsobrooks, the 53-year-old history maker, was elected as Maryland’s first Black senator, per the Associated Press.
She expressed her joy to her supporters and fans, stating, “It is remarkable to me that in two years America will celebrate its 250th birthday and in all those years there have been more than 2000 people who have served in the United States Senate and only 3 have looked like me.”
“I want to salute all of those who came before me. Who made it possible for me to stand on this stage tonight,” she said, according to WAMU.
Per the outlet, Alsobrooks, who defeated former Gov. Larry Hogan in Maryland, has advocated for progressive causes. Since taking office as Prince George’s County Executive in 2018, she has stood up for economic development, public safety, and support for public education. She was the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prior to her position as the county’s leader.
According to People, Rochester and Alsobrooks have long regarded the vice president as a friend and mentor, and both served as surrogates during the Harris campaign.
