Since the era of Reconstruction 11 African Americans have served in the U.S. Senate with another 113 having occupied other constitutionally mandated state-wide offices, ranging from governor to railroad commissioner. Unknown to many, the latter is a politically powerful office in the State of Texas. Yet, despite their qualifications, Black candidates are finding it extremely difficult to ascend to senate and gubernatorial positions.
In our nation’s history, ten Black candidates have been elected to the U.S. Senate, with the 11th Massachusetts’s Mo Cowan serving the remaining 165 days of John Kerry’s term who had been appointed Secretary of State by President Barack Obama. With regard to governors, only Doug Wilder of Virginia and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts ran successful campaigns that elevated them to office. These numbers illustrate the difficulty that African American aspirants encounter when seeking to run state-wide.
These obstacles have become more daunting as officials in red and GOP-leaning states race to game the system in their favor during approaching election cycles. Inspired by former President Donald Trump, many state and local jurisdictions are intensifying voter suppression efforts making it more difficult to cast ballots, expanding their gerrymandering efforts, and indoctrinating their voters with outlandish conspiracy theories.
Given all of this, more Black politicians than ever are seeking state-wide offices. But with these increasing numbers come deepening doubts, particularly from the consultant class and insiders in both parties. These whispers focus on the lack of success that African American hopefuls have experienced when they try to run among a broader population. These and other hindrances impede the ability of Black candidates to raise the staggering amount of money needed effectively compete.
Elections in 2022 will provide another test. Strong Black gubernatorial candidates like Stacy Abrams in Georgia, Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin, and if he secures the nomination, Wes Moore in Maryland are well-positioned to succeed in their races. What is interesting about Maryland where Democrats hold a 2-1 registration advantage over Republicans is that the last two Democrats who ran for the statehouse were African American men. Both were defeated by the current governor, Larry Hogan. These results have sewn some doubts about Moore’s candidacy as well as the other Black men currently running.
There is also hope in senate contests in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Cheri Beasley who has won two statewide elections in the Tarheel State will be formidable in the general election against likely Republican standard-bearer whom Trump has endorsed, Ted Budd. In Florida, uber charismatic Rep. Val Demings remains in striking distance of incumbent Marco Rubio. The debates between those two should be entertaining. The same goes for Sen. Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker in Georgia, who should provide plenty of fireworks in the run-up to the general.
Two extremely capable candidates just happen to live in the wrong state. The uniquely credentialed Chris Jones is favored to take on the well-financed, Trump-endorsed Sarah Huckabee Sanders. While State Senator Charles Booker who came tantalizingly close to becoming the Democratic opponent to Mitch McConnell in 2020 will likely have the chance to knock off Rand Paul in the fall. Both men face Herculean tasks, after all, it’s Arkansas and Kentucky.
Given these dynamics, we will learn a lot about the political landscape and how African American candidates can survive and thrive in this turbulent era. These races will also have immense impacts on the Black community as a whole. The implementation of the remaining Biden agenda and stemming the rising tide of Jim Crow and insurrectionist leanings of an out-of-control party of Trump at the state level could depend on the outcome of these elections. It is no time for complacency.