This year a record number of black Americans are running for office. In total, across congressional and statewide elections, more than 100 black politicians are seeking office. There are 83 black Republicans and Democrats vying for positions in the House. Among them is Utah’s Mia Love, who would become the first black Republican woman elected to Congress. The previous high for black candidates seeking positions in the House was 73 in 2012. Here are some races to watch.
If she wins, Love will be the first black Republican woman elected to Congress.
Suggested Reading
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Utah’s 4th DistrictParty: Republican
Sewell, who is the current congresswoman for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, is the first black woman to serve in the Alabama congressional delegation.
Race: Re-election to U.S. House of Representatives, Alabama’s 7th District Party: Democratic
Before running for office, Smith served about 14 years on active duty in the U.S. Army.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Alabama’s 3rd District Party: Democratic
Wright has a bachelor’s degree in risk management from Troy University and a master’s degree in public administration from Texas Southern University.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Alabama’s 2nd District Party: Democratic
The current state assemblywoman, Coleman has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1998.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, New Jersey’s 12th District Party: Democratic
Lawrence is the current mayor of Southfield, Mich.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan’s 14th District Party: Democratic
Adams was the first African American woman elected to the Greensboro City School Board in North Carolina. She also served on the Greensboro City Council until she was appointed to the North Carolina General Assembly in 1994.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina’s 12th District Party: Democratic
A well-known attorney in her home of St. Croix, Plaskett received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She has worked as a prosecutor in New York City and as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
Race: U.S. Virgin Islands delegate in Congress Party: Democratic
Booker became New Jersey’s first African-American senator in 2013. He was elected to the Senate after two terms as mayor of Newark.
Race: Re-election to U.S. Senate Party: Democratic
Turner is the current minority whip for the Ohio Senate and state senator for the 25th District.
Race: Ohio secretary of state Party: Democratic
Brown is currently Maryland’s lieutenant governor. If he wins this election, he will become the state’s first African-American governor.
Race: Governor of Maryland Party: Democratic
Hurd is a former Central Intelligence Agency operations officer.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Texas’ 23rd District Party: Republican
Horsford was elected to Congress as the first representative of Nevada’s newly created 4th Congressional District and is the first African American to serve in Nevada’s federal delegation. He is also a The Root 100 honoree this year.
Race: Re-election to U.S. House of Representatives, Nevada’s 4th District Party: Democratic
Cobb once played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has also worked as a sports radio announcer and commentator.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, New Jersey’s 1st District Party: Republican
A black, Jewish Republican, Edmond is a former Marine officer and congressional aide.
Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia’s 8th District Party: Republican
Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
Straight From
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.