The Rundown: Black Candidates & Everything You Need To Know
On January 20th, 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels was the first African American to be elected to serve in the U.S. Senate. Over a century later, in 1992, Carol Moseley Braun would be the first African American to serve in this same position. Between this time period, we have witnessed political trailblazers like Shirley Chisolm and Jesse Jackson become advocates for the Black community. Their hard work and resilience paved the way for future candidates to use their voice confidently and proactively, reflecting both the growing diversity in American politics and the urgent need for representation in these decision-making spaces. As this year’s election cycle gradually continues, we are seeing an influx of Black candidates in local and national races. Even though Kamala Harris is the main attraction right now, here’s a look at some of our neighborhood heroes running in 2024 and how their campaign and individualism can impact our communities.
Angela Alsobrooks
A PG County native, Angela Alsobrooks is running to be the next Senator for the state of Maryland. If she is successful, she will become the first African American woman to hold this position in this state. In 2018, Angela was elected Prince George’s County Executive, the first woman to hold the position and the first Black woman elected to the office of County Executive in Maryland. With a successful career as a former law enforcement officer, she has experience being an advocate for implementing legislation to combat systemic racism in law enforcement. With her campaign, Alsobrooks also plans to fight for expanded healthcare options and prioritize education investments, fulfilling the disparity gap that affects African Americans.
Lauren Underwood
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood currently serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. In 2018, she flipped the state blue, and with her running for re-election, it’s evident that she plans to keep it that way. A registered nurse, Underwood’s main campaign points involve healthcare reform and accessible mental health services. She is also the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which addresses America’s Black Maternal Health crisis in Congress and advances policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities. Knowing that the infant and maternal mortality rates are high amongst the Black community, Underwood’s work clearly centers around issues that directly affect our people.
Steven Horsford
Steven Horsford was first elected to Congress in 2012, making history as the first Black member of Congress from the state of Nevada. He currently serves as a U.S. Representative for the state and is running for re-election this year. Due to him losing his dad to gun violence at 19, Horsford fights for gun control policies and understands the pain many African American families go through when a loved one gets gunned down. He also advocates for education and workforce development, aiming to end the school-to-prison pipeline and open up more jobs for African Americans.
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Representing Delaware in the U.S. House, Lisa Blunt Rochester is running for the U.S. Senate this election year. As a Delaware native, Lisa understands firsthand what the people need. She aims to create good-paying jobs, protect seniors, and secure fundamental freedoms – from reproductive freedom to voting rights. Protecting Medicare and Social Security is one of her top priorities, and she aims to reduce the financial strain on seniors and their families. Lisa Blunt Rochester currently serves as a co-chair for the Harris-Walz campaign and has publicly declared her support for Kamala.
From local positions to U.S. Senate seats, these leaders bring their own separate passions to the table. However, it’s evident that they all share a common goal: inclusivity, economic equality, and the overall advancement of African Americans. Together, they’re pushing for a future where politics reflects the people it serves.