Black women are making history again — this time by taking strides to step into the U.S. Senate in 2026. And if early momentum is any indication of potential success, these candidates are ready to shake up the status quo and pave the way for a lasting legacy. And if even one of them wins, we may be poised to witness the largest number of Black women serving in the Senate in U.S. history.
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Black internet is already weighing in on the impact these candidates could have, and keeping a close eye on what’s to come next. Let’s take a look at the women stepping up to redefine what power in Washington looks like, at a moment when representation and action has never been more crucial.
Jasmine Crockett
Rep. Jasmine Crockett — a progressive leader and The Root 100 honoree currently representing Texas’ 30th congressional district — has officially launched her bid for the U.S. Senate Monday. Crockett seeks to fill the seat of incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn, and isn’t afraid of the challenge, as the democrat says she’s done standing by while he accepts the actions of the administration, ABC News.
“I understand, but what we need is for me to have a bigger voice. What we need is not only a voice, but we need to make sure that we are going to stop all the hell that is raining down on all of our people,” Crockett stated, per the outlet.
If elected, Crockett would become the first Black woman in history to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.
Juliana Stratton
Juliana Stratton, Illinois’ lieutenant governor, is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin — positioning herself as a fighter for working families and earning high-profile endorsements as she seeks to bring her record in Springfield to Washington.
“As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear,” Stratton said in a campaign statement.
Robin Kelly
Looks like Illinois is bringing a double whammy: Black U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly from the South Side has also launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate, bringing a wealth of knowledge and an extensive record on health care, gun violence prevention, and consumer protections to a competitive Democratic primary.
Kelly — a working mom, mental health counselor, and advocate for public health and safety — champions determination and courage to make a difference, knowing that silence is never enough. “Robin Kelly doesn’t back down — not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and definitely not from a fight for what’s right,” her campaign statement promises.
If either Stratton or Kelly wins, they would become the first Black women from Illinois elected to the U.S. Senate since Carol Moseley Braun’s historic term from 1993 to 1999, per United States Senate.
Pamela Stevenson
Kentucky House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and attorney from Louisville, has launched her campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell. Stevenson, who served in the Air Force as a JAG attorney for 27 years, is a strong advocate for racial justice, parental rights, the protection of children, and more.
“I fought so that all people could have freedoms, not just the ones I like,” Stevenson said. “You’re not doing anything for the children that are hungry… the children that are in foster care being abused… for the little Black kids experiencing racism everyday,” she urged.
“Go ahead and vote the way you’d like to vote. But if you don’t stand for them, I promise you they’ll come for you,” Stevenson declared.
If Pamela Stevenson wins a spot in the U.S. Senate, she’ll become the first Black U.S. Senator in Kentucky history.
Priscilla W. Till
Priscilla Williams-Till — founder of the Emmett Till Justice for Families Foundation and cousin of Emmett Till — is running as a Democrat for Mississippi’s U.S. Senate seat in 2026, campaigning on a platform of social justice and civil rights protections as she challenges Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde‑Smith.
Till’s campaign promises to fight to rebuild Mississippi and deliver results that restore trust, build opportunity, and instill a new pride in the state. The retired U.S. Air Force colonel, attorney, and activist seeks to rebuild front the ground up, ensure Black folks have health care, quality education, and clean water.
If Priscilla Williams‑Till wins, she would make history as the first Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi — and the first Black senator from the state since Reconstruction, per Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
N’Kiyla “Jasmine” Thomas
N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a Chickasaw citizen, registered nurse and liberal activist, is running as a Democrat for Oklahoma’s U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Markwayne Mullin, aiming to challenge him in the 2026 general election.
Thomas’ campaign statement makes her mission abundantly clear: to improve education, expand access to healthcare, fight for fair wages, support veterans, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, and farmers.
If elected, Thomas would become the first Black, White, and Native American (Chickasaw) woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Oklahoma.
Catherine Fleming Bruce
Catherine Fleming Bruce, a South Carolina author, preservationist and longtime Democratic activist, has launched her campaign to challenge Republican Lindsey Graham for his U.S. Senate seat in 2026, bringing her record of civic engagement and civil rights advocacy into a competitive primary.
The National Coalition Delegation Network founder announced her candidacy for Graham’s seat on Nov. 5, solidifying her historical journey to become the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina.”Together we will connect, heal and reclaim,” Fleming Bruce said in her announcement.
“Together we will ensure that you will be victorious in your quest for justice, for a high quality of life and for liberty,” Bruce stated, per ABC News.
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