With unprecedented momentum, Black women candidates are shattering barriers and reshaping political power.
The 2024 election cycle is continuing the upward trajectory of increased numbers of Black women candidates across all levels of government. This development is not only altering the landscape of U.S. politics but also amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities, increasing the likelihood that their needs are acknowledged and represented in our body politic.
There are currently 432 Black women representing their constituents in federal, state and local elective office.
The significance of Black women running for office this year is especially crucial amid rising demands for diverse leadership and growing discontent with the predominantly white, male establishment clinging to power.
Black Americans are projected to account for 14.0 percent of eligible voters in the U.S. in the 2024 November election, according to Pew Research Center projections. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of Black women voters say they are more motivated than ever to cast their ballots, according to a new poll. This motivation aligns with the increasing number of Black women candidates at the local, state and federal levels. In 2022, over 500 Black women candidates ran for office, with hopes that similar numbers will run in 2024.
Supporting Black women candidates this election season fosters more effective advocacy for innovative policies and challenges prevailing norms, marking a significant stride toward more representative democracy. According to the Brookings Institute, the presence of Black candidates who can effectively address the concerns of Black communities is essential for increasing voter turnout and political representation.
Black Women Running: Top Races to Watch in 2024
The Federal Executive
Kamala Harris | Vice President Harris is running as the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. She is the first Black woman and woman of color, as well as the second woman to receive the party’s nomination. No stranger to making history, Harris was the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Harris champions expanding access to affordable healthcare, focusing on strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and implementing measures to lower prescription drug prices. She advocates for allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, which could significantly reduce costs for consumers. Additionally, she supports expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet done so, ensuring that more low-income individuals can access essential health services.
On environmental issues, Harris prioritizes tackling climate change through comprehensive policies that promote clean energy and environmental justice. While Harris has not laid out a specific climate action plan, she has called for significant investments in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, aiming for a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Her initiatives also focus on protecting vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate impacts, advocating for equitable access to clean air and water.
This election season, Harris is being lauded as a champion for women’s rights for promoting policies that advance gender equality and reproductive rights. She supports the Women’s Health Protection Act, which aims to safeguard the right to access abortion and reproductive healthcare. Additionally, she champions initiatives to combat domestic violence and sexual harassment, including strengthening funding for shelters and services for survivors.
Harris has also emphasized the importance of accessible and affordable education, advocating for initiatives that aim to reduce student loan debt and improve public education funding. She supports proposals for tuition-free community college, increasing Pell Grants to assist low-income students, and making federal jobs more accessible to Americans without traditional four-year degrees. Her commitment extends to investing in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions to promote educational equity and opportunity for all.
Top Black Women to Watch in Congressional Senate Races
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Del.) | Blunt Rochester is vying for a Senate seat. She brings extensive experience from her tenure in the House, where she focused on issues such as healthcare reform and economic development. If elected, she would not only make history as the first woman to represent Delaware in the U.S. House but also as the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, further cementing her legacy and paving the way for future Black women leaders in politics.
Angela Alsobrooks (Md.) | Alsobrooks is poised to make history as the second woman and the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate. This landmark achievement would break significant gender and racial barriers in Maryland politics. As a candidate for the Senate, Alsobrooks leverages her experience as the county executive of Prince George’s County to address systemic inequalities and promote community development. The promising candidate’s potential election victory would amplify the interests of underrepresented communities in the Senate, highlighting the importance of representation in shaping policies that impact all Americans.
Milestone: Victories for Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester would highlight the progress made toward greater representation and mark the first time multiple Black women senators have served concurrently, a significant milestone in U.S. politics. If they win their elections, they would make history as the fourth and fifth Black women to serve in the Senate, joining the ranks of Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman elected to the Senate in 1992, and Vice President Kamala Harris, who was elected in 2016.
Top Black Women to Watch in Congressional House Races
Nikema Williams (Ga.) | Following in the footsteps of John Lewis, Nikema Williams focuses on healthcare access and civil rights in her bid for Georgia’s U.S. House of Representatives seat.
Lauren Underwood (Ill.) | Lauren Underwood, a healthcare policy expert, seeks re-election to further her work on affordable healthcare and maternal health issues in Illinois’ U.S. House of Representatives race.
Ayanna Pressley (Mass.) | Ayanna Pressley, a prominent voice for marginalized communities, continues her fight for equity and social justice in Massachusetts’ U.S. House of Representatives contest.
Summer Lee (Pa.) | A progressive champion, Summer Lee seeks re-election to continue advocating for racial justice and environmental reforms in Pennsylvania’s U.S. House of Representatives race.
Jasmine Crockett (Texas) | Known for her fierce advocacy in criminal justice reform and voting rights, Jasmine Crockett aims to bring her bold leadership to Texas’ U.S. House of Representatives race. The outspoken attorney turned legislator has gained notoriety for her willingness to speak up during recorded sessions, and she is using her influence to spotlight the economy, reproductive justice, and voting rights.
More must-watch races: Terri Sewell (Ala.), Maxine Waters (Calif.), Johanna Hayes (Conn.), Frederica Wilson (Fla.), Lucy McBath (Ga.), Ilhan Omar (Minn.), Alma Adams (N.C.), Valerie Foushee (N.C.), Shontel Brown (Ohio), Stacey Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Marilyn Strickland (Wash.).
Top Black Women to Watch in State and Local Races
Yvonne Hayes Hinson (Fla.) | Running for the state House, Hinson’s dedication to education and community development is crucial for addressing systemic issues in Florida. Her election would strengthen efforts to improve public services and support for underserved communities. Hinson secured her re-election for District 21 following the cancellation of both the Democratic primary and general election.
Cassaundra Burks (Ga.) | The Republican political organizer and pundit is running to represent Georgia’s State House District 64. The candidate is committed to prioritizing healthcare, education, and economic resources.
Kimberly (Kim) Jackson (Ga.) | A state Senate candidate, Jackson’s focus on healthcare, education and criminal justice reform aligns with the needs of her constituents. Her election would bolster progressive efforts in the Georgia legislature.
Melanie Miller (Ga.) | Miller, an advocate for women’s rights, is making history as the first Black woman to run for the Georgia House of Representatives District 124. Her campaign prioritizes critical issues, including sensible gun legislation, expanded mental health resources, and affordable workforce housing.
Alyia Gaskins (Alexandria, Va.) | The mayoral candidate has focused her efforts on community development, economic empowerment, and progressive public policy. The city councilwoman is poised to make history as Alexandria’s first Black woman mayor if she wins her election.
From Advocacy to Action: Black Women’s Impact on Politics
Black women have been stalwarts of social and political movements in the United States for generations. From the civil rights movement and Black feminist movement emphasizing intersectionality, to the present-day fight for pay equity and medical ethics, to fighting high maternal mortality rates, their voices have been instrumental in effecting meaningful progress. Yet, their presence in government does not match their substantial contributions to politics. The 2024 elections signify a critical juncture to rectify the threats to their safety and imbalance in outcomes, despite their laudable efforts.
RepresentWomen’s research in Breaking Barriers for Black Women Candidates shows that when Black women pursue public office, their invaluable lived experiences enrich their ability to shape policies and advocate effectively. While Black women advocate for communities encompassing citizens from diverse backgrounds, it’s crucial to highlight their prioritization of often neglected issues such as healthcare, education, criminal justice reform and economic upheaval—areas that disproportionately impact Black communities. Drawing from their firsthand experiences, they are adept at formulating policies that are both effective and compassionate.
Furthermore, the presence of Black women in political office serves as an inspiration to future generations, sending a powerful message that counters the pervasive issue of misogynoir. Enhancing their representation across all government levels sends a potent message: Leadership is achievable for all, irrespective of race or gender. This representation helps dismantle obstacles and inspires young Black women to aspire to represent their communities in elective office.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 elections are a watershed moment for Black women in politics. The pivotal candidacies of the auspicious contenders running for office stand to increase their representation in U.S. politics in a meaningful way. Black women understand what it means to overcome compound hardships, and are perfectly suited to address the complexities faced by their communities. Not only are they equipped to represent the most ignored segments of the populace, but they are perfectly suited to represent the needs of all citizens.
As candidates, they embody the promise of equity and a representative government. As Americans—particularly young people and people of color—become more disillusioned by our political processes, the intentional and strategic advancement of Black women candidates may infuse a much-needed dose of confidence in decency, democracy and dignity in politics.
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