Black Americans and Black women in particular have become increasingly more involved with running for office. This new generation of politicians, in particular, seems to stem more from grassroots movements. People who made viral speeches on social media, or activists who drew large followings in their communities are now making headlines and taking on politics in return.
In this election, at least 26 black women won congressional races, a breaking record from 25 back in 2018. All the women are Democrat members, and their victories helped cement House majority for the party. Here in California, representatives Maxine Waters, Karen Bass, and Barbara Lee maintained their seats in congress. And of course, there is vice president-elect Kamala Harris who has served as Senator of California since 2017.
“Successes like these don’t just happen. They require the dedicated attention of parties, donors, activists, and voters, as is particularly evident from the expanded number of Republican women candidates this year. It takes hard work. And the work continues,” said Debbie Walsh, Director of the Center for American Women in Politics.
According to a 2019 report by the CAWP, black women are less than five percent of officeholders elected to statewide executive offices, Congress, and state legislatures despite being nearly eight percent of the country’s population. And despite this black women overwhelmingly voted Democrat and had a significant hand in President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Cities like Milwaukee and Atlanta saw record voter turnouts, and black voters made up 11 percent of the national electorate. These wins across the country are showing a growing trend in black communities participating in politics.
Check out some notable highlights in the elections.
Marilyn Strickland was previously the first black woman to become the Mayor of Tacoma. Strickland will now be the first black woman to represent Washington state in Congress, and the first Korean-American to be elected to Congress. She’s vowed to prioritize climate change reform efforts, common-sense gun safety laws, and criminal justice reform to name a few.
Cori Bush, an activist, registered nurse, and pastor from St. Louis, Missouri will be the first black woman to represent the state in Congress. Bush got involved in politics following the 2014 Ferguson Unrest where she helped others with her medical expertise and claimed she was assaulted by a police officer. Her platform highlights a $15 minimum wage, police reform, and medicare for all.
Nikema Williams has been involved with state politics for nearly a decade. She chaired the Georgia Democrat Party and was elected to the State Senate. Williams will represent Georgia’s 5th congressional district.