Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester Enters Delaware Senate Race

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware launched her candidacy for U.S. Senate on Wednesday. She is looking to follow fellow Democrat, Sen. Tom Carper, who announced his retirement about a month ago.

I’m running to represent Delaware in the United States Senate.

I’m filled with Bright Hope for our future. But a more perfect union isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. Let’s go on it together.

Join me ?? https://t.co/tymKWayXko pic.twitter.com/VeXvchGV0v

— Lisa Blunt Rochester (@LisaBRochester) June 21, 2023

The move is not unexpected, as Carper endorsed Blunt Rochester in his retirement speech. She has also received encouragement from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. As a result, no serious competition for the Democratic nomination is expected,  and she will be strongly favored to succeed Carper in this deep blue state. 

Per the AP, "there are no Black women currently serving in the Senate, and, if elected, Blunt Rochester would be only the third Black woman to have served in the chamber, after Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois and Kamala Harris of California." 

Blunt Rochester is in her 4th term as Delaware's sole U.S. House representative. She won reelection by about 13% in 2022. While the field has yet to develop to succeed her, the eventual Democratic nominee is likely to be favored. Republicans last carried the seat in 2008.

Eleven current House members, including eight Democrats and three Republicans, are not running for reelection in 2024. All but one of them, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R, IN-05), are running for Senate.