Lisa Blunt Rochester became the first woman and first Black member of Congress from Delaware when she was elected to the U.S. House in 2016 — and in 2024, she became the first woman and first Black U.S. Senator in Delaware history.
Born February 10, 1962, in Philadelphia and raised largely in Wilmington, she graduated from the University of Delaware and later earned a master’s in urban affairs and public policy. She served in multiple roles in state government — including Delaware Secretary of Labor — before moving to Congress.
Her priorities: healthcare equity (especially maternal health outcomes for Black women), environmental justice and clean water, voting rights, and expanding economic mobility in communities that have historically been excluded from opportunity.
Establishment Democrat
Achievements
- First woman and first Black U.S. Senator from Delaware
- Pushed expansions in healthcare access and maternal health protections, especially for Black women
- Championed environmental justice, clean water, and community health protections in underserved areas
- Worked on voting rights and ballot access protections
- Promoted workforce and small-business opportunity programs for lower-income communities
Controversies
- Criticized by moderates for backing ambitious federal social spending and climate priorities
- Faced pushback from business and industry groups over environmental and labor protections
- Portrayed by some Delaware centrists as aligning too closely with national progressive messaging
- Accused from the left of staying inside leadership-friendly channels instead of breaking with party brass
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young, Conaway et al | $166,448 | $166,448 | $0 |
| EMILY's List | $103,718 | $88,718 | $15,000 |
| Blue Cross/Blue Shield | $98,671 | $34,421 | $64,250 |
| State of Delaware | $76,667 | $76,667 | $0 |
| DuPont Co | $70,682 | $36,682 | $34,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2024 Margin D +21%