
Meet The 7 Black Women Running For Senate In 2026 — And Why This Year Could Make History
Next year’s elections could reshape representation in Congress and set a new milestone in U.S. political history.

Next year’s elections could reshape representation in Congress and set a new milestone in U.S. political history.

Just weeks after Virginia’s AG resigned, Letitia James faces federal counts of bank fraud tied to a 2020 home purchase—charges she says are politically motivated.

A member of the “Tennessee Three” launches a progressive challenge to the veteran congressman, in what could be a fight for Memphis’ future against a backdrop of political uncertainty.

After Jimmy Kimmel Live! was briefly pulled, Rep. Jasmine Crockett introduced the Free Speech Act of 2025, sparking debate over FCC power.

Critics dismissed Kamala Harris’s new memoir as “cry baby stuff,” but her story reflects the lived realities of women—especially Black women—who break barriers and bear the burden of being first.

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, accused of mortgage fraud, is pushing back with a lawsuit against the president. Her fight could end up before the Supreme Court.

Moore says Trump is using honorable men and women as pawns to distract from his policies, which drive up unemployment and cut health care and food assistance.

The president’s 30-day federal takeover of D.C.’s police has sparked debate over whether the move is about safety or politics.

The impact of the Trump-endorsed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” could mean devastating cuts for Black families. Policy experts tell ESSENCE how to lessen the damage.

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Rep. Yvette Clarke and Senator Angela Alsobrooks are among the Black women lawmakers leading a four-bill push for research, early detection and culturally competent care.

Founded in 1822 by freed African Americans, Liberia has spoken English as its official language ever since — making Trump’s remark deeply tone-deaf.

From health care to voter engagement, panelists call on Black communities to mobilize and reclaim their political power at ESSENCE Fest.

Nikole Hannah-Jones and Rashad Robinson warn that viral moments and representation aren’t enough to withstand civil rights rollbacks—and call for new models for lasting impact.

The presidential hopeful sat down with ESSENCE and discussed her plans for underserved communities of color. She also shared a message for Black women voters.

Changemakers Angela Ferrell-Zabala and Mawuli Davis joined ESSENCE for a timely community conversation this Black History Month.

Changemakers Maisie Brown, Alphonso David, and Alicia Garza joined ESSENCE for a panel this Black Futures Month.

Sen. Kamala Harris blasted the ICE raid that occurred a few days after the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, which targeted Latinx people.

The presidential hopeful sat down with ESSENCE and discussed her plans for underserved communities of color. She also shared a message for Black women voters.

In an op-ed for ESSENCE, Sen. Kamala Harris explains how and why we must honor Breonna Taylor’s life.

Cory Booker shared his commitment to Black women and our community with “Yes, Girl” hosts Cori Murray and Charli Penn.

In an interview with ESSENCE’s News & Politics Director Yesha Callahan, Booker said that it’s not enough for voters to know what he’s against, but also what he’s for.

In his first op-ed for ESSENCE, Cory Booker shares how the spirit of the holiday should be celebrated and how he would fulfill the legacies of those who fought for emancipation.

In her most extensive remarks since leaving office, the former vice president warns that Trump’s leadership isn’t just chaotic—it’s part of a decades-long plan to dismantle democracy and public trust.

The former VP will honor grassroots leaders, rally Americans for collective action and call out Trump’s "reckless economic policies" at the Emerge America Gala on Wednesday.

Illinois Lt. Govenor Juliana Stratton Makes U.S. Senate Run Official, Slams Trump 'Crisis And Chaos' In Launch Video

Amanda K. Edwards says the stakes are high as she campaigns to represent Texas District-18, with a special election set for November 4th following the deaths of the last two leaders.

The former congresswoman and progressive trailblazer takes the helm after a turbulent recall election, pledging to bring stability and collaboration to City Hall.

The nation's oldest civil rights group says the Trump administration’s rollback of diversity and inclusion programs is unconstitutional and disproportionately harms Black students.

At the Leading Women Defined Summit in Californa, the former Vice President called for unity and resilience in the face of uncertain times.

The corruption case against Adams has been dismissed "with prejudice," meaning the charges cannot be refiled. He will now seek a second term as an independent candidate.

Nearly 70 years after Strom Thurmond filibustered against Black civil rights, Booker’s marathon speech called out threats to democracy and the harm of Trump-era policies.