Historic Victory Breaks Multiple Barriers in Delaware Politics
Democratic Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester has secured a groundbreaking victory in Delaware’s Senate race. The 62-year-old defeated Republican Eric Hansen and independent candidate Mike Katz in Tuesday’s election.
This historic win makes Blunt Rochester the first Black woman to represent Delaware in the Senate. She adds to her legacy as the first woman and first Black person to represent the state in Congress.
Commitment to Public Service Beyond Making History
“I’m not doing this to make history,” Blunt Rochester told NBC News. “I’m doing this to make a difference.” Her campaign focused on creating jobs, protecting reproductive rights, and addressing healthcare needs.
The fourth-term House representative emphasized her dedication to representing all Delaware residents. “It’s a blue state, but we vote blue, red and purple. I want to represent everyone.”
Following the Path of Black Women Senators
During her victory speech, Blunt Rochester acknowledged her predecessors. “As I prepare to step foot on that trail blazed by the three strong Black women senators who came before us — Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senator Laphonza Butler — I have a message to the young people…you’ve got next.”
Currently, Laphonza Butler of California serves as the only Black woman in the Senate. She was appointed last year to fill the late Dianne Feinstein’s seat.
From Congressional Intern to Senator
Blunt Rochester’s journey began as a congressional intern for Sen. Tom Carper, whose seat she will now fill. Carper recalled hearing her express a “heartfelt interest in public service” at a town hall in the late 1980s.
Her path included serving in Carper’s governor’s office and as CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. Personal tragedy in 2014, when her second husband died unexpectedly, inspired her successful 2016 congressional run.
