Historic campaigns and coordinated organizing underscore Black women’s political power nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A record number of Black women are running for office in the 2026 midterm elections, according to the Black Women’s Leadership Collective (BWLC), while organizers and volunteers mobilize voters nationwide. This momentum reflects years of investment in candidate development, leadership training and community organizing by BWLC’s member organizations.
“Black women are not stepping back. We are stepping up, running for office, driving turnout, protecting voters and wo-manning polling places,” said Bishop Leah Daughtry, co-convener of the Black Women’s Leadership Collective. “Our work does not begin or end with one election. We are building lasting political power for our communities.”
The stakes include historic opportunities: Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms could become the nation’s first Black woman governor, while Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s election would bring the number of Black women serving simultaneously in the U.S. Senate to an unprecedented three. Three other U.S. Senate candidates could also make history: Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon would become the first Black woman to represent Florida in the Senate; Marquita Bradshaw would become Tennessee’s first Black woman U.S. senator; and N’Kiyla “Jasmine” Thomas would become the first woman to represent Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate.
Beyond these headline races, Black women are shaping elections at every level—leading campaigns, organizing neighborhoods, directing voter protection efforts and serving as poll workers.
Recent mobilization efforts include “The Power of the Sister Vote” tour, which engaged voters and volunteers through rallies in key battlegrounds. Meanwhile, One Million Black Voters Rising is building long-term civic engagement with a goal of registering one million new Black voters by 2028.
Higher Heights recently partnered with BWLC, Power Rising, GirlTREK, the National Council of Negro Women, Sisters Lead Sisters Vote, Win With Black Women, The Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., to host a virtual Sunday Brunch focused on voter mobilization, featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris and actor Kerry Washington.
On Election Day, the National Women’s Command Center will track and highlight Black women’s participation as candidates, organizers and voters. Details on upcoming briefings will be announced.