Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester Announces Bid for Senate, Poised to Make History

Title: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester Announces Bid for Senate, Aims to Become Third Black Woman Elected to the Chamber

Delaware Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) has officially announced her expected bid for the Senate in 2024. With this announcement, Blunt Rochester enters the race as a heavy favorite and has the potential to become only the third Black woman in U.S. history to be elected to the chamber.

Blunt Rochester, 61, is seeking the seat being vacated by Senator Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), who recently announced his retirement after serving four terms. Carper has endorsed Blunt Rochester as his successor in the Democratic-leaning state.

In her announcement video, Blunt Rochester, an ally of President Biden, expressed her gratitude for representing Delaware and her commitment to protecting seniors, the environment, small businesses, and women’s reproductive rights. She emphasized that there is still much work to be done.

Blunt Rochester currently serves as the state’s sole representative in Congress and holds the distinction of being the first woman and first Black person to hold the office. She won reelection to a fourth term last year with over 55 percent of the vote, positioning her well for a Senate primary facing the same statewide electorate. It is worth noting that every statewide official in Delaware is a Democrat.

While the 2024 Senate race in Delaware may not be a top priority for Republicans nationally, as they focus on winning back control of the chamber, Democrats are defending several other seats that are considered more probable targets for flipping.

Currently, only two Black women have served in the U.S. Senate: Democrats Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois and Vice President Kamala Harris of California. There are no Black women in the chamber in the current Congress. Blunt Rochester joins several other Black women running for Senate in 2024, including Barbara Lee in California and Angela D. Alsobrooks in Maryland, both of whom are competing in competitive Democratic primaries for open seats.

Blunt Rochester’s announcement video highlights her religious faith, starting with her attendance at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia with her grandmother, where she was born. She describes Bright Hope as a place that has always lifted her through good times and bad, symbolizing the spirit of resilience. The video also touches on personal aspects of her life, such as the death of her husband in 2014, her decision to run for Congress in 2016, her work in the chamber, and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) has shown his support for Blunt Rochester, stating that he believes she has what it takes to be a great Senator. He looks forward to discussing the campaign with her soon. Senator Carper also offered a strong endorsement of Blunt Rochester, praising her deep faith and caring nature.

As the 2024 Senate race in Delaware unfolds, all eyes will be on Lisa Blunt Rochester as she aims to make history as the third Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.

How does Blunt Rochester’s potential election to the Senate contribute to the push for increased diversity and representation in Congress?

As a strong candidate for the Senate race.

If elected, Blunt Rochester would join a small but growing group of Black women who have served in the U.S. Senate. Currently, there have been only two Black women elected to the chamber in history – Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois, who served from 1993 to 1999, and Kamala Harris of California, who served from 2017 to 2021 before becoming Vice President.

Blunt Rochester’s announcement comes as a welcome development for those advocating for increased diversity and representation in Congress. Her experience and track record as a representative, along with her endorsement by Senator Carper, give her a strong foundation for a successful campaign.

In her announcement video, Blunt Rochester highlighted her commitment to various issues, including the protection of seniors, the environment, small businesses, and women’s reproductive rights. These are key issues in Delaware and resonate with the Democratic-leaning electorate.

As the first woman and first Black person to hold the office of Delaware’s sole representative in Congress, Blunt Rochester has already made significant strides in breaking barriers. Her potential election to the Senate would further amplify her influence and voice in shaping national policies.

Overall, Blunt Rochester’s bid for the Senate in 2024 carries historical significance as she aims to become only the third Black woman elected to the chamber. With her strong track record, endorsements, and commitment to important issues, she enters the race as a formidable candidate.