Lisa Blunt Rochester Makes History as Delaware’s First Black Female U.S. Senator

Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester has made history by becoming Delaware‘s first Black person and first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. This milestone follows her victory over Republican challenger Eric Hansen in the 2024 Senate election.

Blunt Rochester, who has represented Delaware in the House of Representatives since 2017, will succeed retiring Sen. Tom Carper, who has held the Senate seat since 2001. Carper had endorsed Blunt Rochester as his preferred successor upon announcing his retirement last year.

With this win, Blunt Rochester becomes the fourth-ever Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. Her campaign was marked by significant support, including a strong fundraising effort that saw her raise over $9 million by mid-October, far outpacing her opponent’s funds.

Blunt Rochester’s political career began with an internship in then-Congressman Tom Carper’s office in 1988. She later held several key roles, including Delaware’s labor secretary, state personnel director, and deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. She also served as the CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.

As a congresswoman, Blunt Rochester has championed various issues, including economic development, health care access for women and minorities, and criminal justice reform. She has also been a strong advocate for abortion rights and has introduced legislation to address Black women’s maternal health and tech-focused workforce preparation.

Blunt Rochester’s connection to politics extends beyond her own career; she comes from a political family and has ties to President Joe Biden‘s family. Her father, Ted Blunt, served on the Wilmington City Council, and one of her sisters worked in Biden’s Senate office. Blunt Rochester herself served as a co-chair for Biden’s presidential campaign in 2020 and 2024).