Two Black women, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks, are on the verge of making history as they aim to become the first to serve concurrently in the U.S. Senate. Their candidacies come at a time when representation is more critical than ever, as both women seek to amplify the voices of their communities and tackle pressing national issues.

Recently, Blunt Rochester, Delaware’s sole congresswoman, participated in a groundbreaking event at Wilmington’s regional airport, celebrating a $5.6 million airport expansion project she once helped to secure. With a white helmet adjusted atop her head, she expressed her gratitude as Senator Tom Carper, who is retiring from his Senate position, publicly endorsed her. “I urged everyone within the sound of my voice and across the state to support Lisa,” he stated, emphasizing the inspirational impact her campaign could have on future generations of girls.

Reflecting on her journey, Blunt Rochester said, “Going to an event like that and seeing folks that I worked with for many, many years – it’s like we’re really doing it, you know, not just talking about it.” Her commitment to public service is rooted in personal experience and community engagement.

In nearby Maryland, Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County executive, addressed students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Sharing her accomplishments as the state’s first domestic violence prosecutor, she highlighted the lack of women representing Maryland in Congress and the historical scarcity of Black women in the Senate. “It’s in America’s best interest that we have people representing us who understand us, who live like us, and who make decisions for us,” Alsobrooks noted, calling for broader representation.

Should both women secure victory in the upcoming elections, they would not only become the first Black women to serve in the Senate simultaneously but would also join an exclusive group of only five Black women in the Senate’s 235-year history. Deborah Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, remarked, “It’s a record to be celebrated because we’ve never seen it before… Black women’s voices need to be at the table because they make a difference.”

Despite the significance of their candidacies, the underrepresentation of Black women in politics remains stark. Currently, Black women constitute nearly 8% of the U.S. population but hold only 28 seats in Congress and one Senate seat. The barriers to entry, particularly in fundraising and support, pose ongoing challenges. Laphonza Butler, the only Black woman currently in the Senate, emphasized this disparity, stating, “Women of color who are candidates get a fraction of the contributions that other candidates get.”

Both candidates are focusing their campaigns on critical issues such as economic development, reproductive rights, and healthcare disparities. Blunt Rochester expressed the unique perspective Black women bring to governance: “We bring something special to the table… the work done at the table is better quality… because it’s inclusive of our experiences.”

As they navigate their campaigns, both women recognize the stakes involved. The races in Delaware and Maryland are not only crucial for their personal ambitions but are also vital for maintaining Democratic control of the Senate. Alsobrooks emphasized the significance of her race, particularly against the backdrop of a closely contested political landscape. “The Senate is so important. It controls the agenda for our country,” she stated.

In their bid for representation, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks embody a growing movement towards inclusivity in American politics. Their campaigns serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action, inspiring future generations to see themselves in roles of leadership and influence. As Blunt Rochester poignantly noted, “You can’t be what you don’t see,” a reminder of the power of visibility and representation in shaping the nation’s democratic future.