Here Are The Black Politicians You Need To Know In 2024

Jessica Washington
·7 min read
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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks at the “Just Majority” Supreme Court press conference on June 22, 2023 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks at the “Just Majority” Supreme Court press conference on June 22, 2023 in Washington, DC.
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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks at the “Just Majority” Supreme Court press conference on June 22, 2023 in Washington, DC.

It’s been an interesting year in Black politics. Here are the figures we’re keeping a close eye on going into 2024!

Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during the Summit on Methane and Other Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases on day three of the COP28 climate conference at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during the Summit on Methane and Other Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases on day three of the COP28 climate conference at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.


Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during the Summit on Methane and Other Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases on day three of the COP28 climate conference at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

As we head into a contentious election year, Vice President Kamala Harris is a vital political figure to watch. The first Black and first Indian American Vice President has been taking more of a lead role as a public face of the administration.

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WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 01: Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) arrives to a press conference on the recent election of U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the U.S. Capitol Building on November 01, 2023 in Washington, DC. Senate Democrats held the press conference to discuss Johnson’s voting history regarding women’s access to abortion and the rights of the LGBTQ community.


WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 01: Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) arrives to a press conference on the recent election of U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) at the U.S. Capitol Building on November 01, 2023 in Washington, DC. Senate Democrats held the press conference to discuss Johnson’s voting history regarding women’s access to abortion and the rights of the LGBTQ community.

The former Emily’s List President turned California Senator will be an interesting person to watch inside and outside of the halls of Congress. Senator Laphonza Butler has vowed not to run in the contentious primary race, but her endorsement could sway things.

Lt. Governor Mark Robinson

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 23: Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Former U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver the keynote address at tomorrow evening’s “Patriot Gala” dinner.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 23: Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Former U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver the keynote address at tomorrow evening’s “Patriot Gala” dinner.


WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 23: Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Former U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver the keynote address at tomorrow evening’s “Patriot Gala” dinner.

North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson is worth keeping a close eye on. The Trump ally, who is running to be Governor, once said that the Civil Rights movement was a communist plot to steal our freedoms.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Los Angeles, CA - October 08: Rep. Barbara Lee participates in a debate on stage with other democrats who are running to succeed Sen. Feinstein at Westing Bonaventure Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA.
Los Angeles, CA - October 08: Rep. Barbara Lee participates in a debate on stage with other democrats who are running to succeed Sen. Feinstein at Westing Bonaventure Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA.


Los Angeles, CA - October 08: Rep. Barbara Lee participates in a debate on stage with other democrats who are running to succeed Sen. Feinstein at Westing Bonaventure Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been a steadfast presence in the House for decades. Now, she’s running for the late-Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat.

Rep. Cori Bush

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) attends a press conference calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East outside of the U.S. Capitol on December 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democratic lawmakers held a press conference with union supporters urging Israel to call for a ceasefire in their war against Hamas
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) attends a press conference calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East outside of the U.S. Capitol on December 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democratic lawmakers held a press conference with union supporters urging Israel to call for a ceasefire in their war against Hamas


WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 14: U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) attends a press conference calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East outside of the U.S. Capitol on December 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democratic lawmakers held a press conference with union supporters urging Israel to call for a ceasefire in their war against Hamas

Congresswoman Cori Bush emerged as even more formidable leader in the progressive coalition, with her bold calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Rep. Bush will be worth watching in the New Year!

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) speaks at a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) speaks at a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace.


WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) speaks at a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace.

Representative Ayanna Pressley lead the charge to get The FDA to address the dangers of chemical relaxers. She’s also been a voice in the House for an end to the bombardment of Gaza. Pressley will be interesting to watch in 2024 as the House gears up for an important election.

Congresswoman Summer Lee

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 13: United States Representative Rashida Tlaib, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Cori Bush, Representative Jonathan Jackson, Representative Nydia M. Velazquez, United States Representative Jamaal Bowman, and Representative Summer Lee (seen) hold a press conference with Rabbis in front of the US Capitol to call for a ceasefire and end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza in Washington DC, United States on November 13, 2023.


WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 13: United States Representative Rashida Tlaib, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Cori Bush, Representative Jonathan Jackson, Representative Nydia M. Velazquez, United States Representative Jamaal Bowman, and Representative Summer Lee (seen) hold a press conference with Rabbis in front of the US Capitol to call for a ceasefire and end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza in Washington DC, United States on November 13, 2023.

Congresswoman Summer Lee is another progressive member of Congress worth keeping a close watch over. She’s relatively new to Congress, but that hasn’t stopped her from leading on critical issues.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) watches as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul greets people after signing legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York on December 19, 2023 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) watches as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul greets people after signing legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York on December 19, 2023 in New York City.


NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) watches as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul greets people after signing legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York on December 19, 2023 in New York City.

Congressman Jamaal Bowman had an interesting year in 2023. Representative Bowman was censured for pulling a fire alarm in Congress, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to be a strong progressive voice in the House. It will be interesting to see how he addresses the censure and his role in the party going into the new year!

Rep. Ilhan Omar

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) speaks during a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) speaks during a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace.


WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) speaks during a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has been another strong progressive voice in the House pushing for a ceasefire and other progressive priorities. She’s facing a difficult re-election bid that will be worth following closely.

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) speaks during a press conference held to address MAGA Republicans’ decision to prioritize the impeachment of President Joe Biden over other domestic issues in the United States on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) speaks during a press conference held to address MAGA Republicans’ decision to prioritize the impeachment of President Joe Biden over other domestic issues in the United States on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.


WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) speaks during a press conference held to address MAGA Republicans’ decision to prioritize the impeachment of President Joe Biden over other domestic issues in the United States on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is another important Black political figure to watch! She’s gained a reputation for speaking her mind and calling out double-standards.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) speaks to reporters as she is joined by fellow House Democrats in the Rayburn House Office Building on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden defied a subpoena from Congress to testify behind closed doors ahead of a House vote on an impeachment inquiry against his father. (


WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) speaks to reporters as she is joined by fellow House Democrats in the Rayburn House Office Building on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden defied a subpoena from Congress to testify behind closed doors ahead of a House vote on an impeachment inquiry against his father. (

Another Texas Congresswoman to watch is Representative Sheila Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Lee recently lost her bid for the Houston Mayoral race, but she has another race for her Congressional seat underway.

Congressman Jonathan Jackson

Congressman Jonathan Jackson stands with UAW Local 551 president Chris Pena after recording a solidarity message during a union rally on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.
Congressman Jonathan Jackson stands with UAW Local 551 president Chris Pena after recording a solidarity message during a union rally on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.


Congressman Jonathan Jackson stands with UAW Local 551 president Chris Pena after recording a solidarity message during a union rally on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Congressman Jonathan Jackson is the son of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rep. Jackson has been leading the fight for connecting HBCUs to the digital infrastructure, and was early in the fight for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Senator Tim Scott

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) arrives for an all-senators closed briefing where they will hear from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky via video conference at the U.S. Capitol on December 05, 2023 in Washington, DC. In addition to hearing from Zelensky, high-level Ukraine officials are scheduled to brief the senators in-person to make a last-minute appeal for additional aid in their war against Russian aggression as funding will expire at the end of December.


WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) arrives for an all-senators closed briefing where they will hear from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky via video conference at the U.S. Capitol on December 05, 2023 in Washington, DC. In addition to hearing from Zelensky, high-level Ukraine officials are scheduled to brief the senators in-person to make a last-minute appeal for additional aid in their war against Russian aggression as funding will expire at the end of December.

Senator Tim Scott may have suspended his Presidential run, but that doesn’t mean we should take our eyes off of him in 2024 as the remaining candidates battle it out.

New York Mayor Eric Adams

Mayor Eric Adams flanked by City Commissioners is pictured during his week off topic press conference at City Hall Blue Room, Tuesday Nov. 28, 2023.
Mayor Eric Adams flanked by City Commissioners is pictured during his week off topic press conference at City Hall Blue Room, Tuesday Nov. 28, 2023.


Mayor Eric Adams flanked by City Commissioners is pictured during his week off topic press conference at City Hall Blue Room, Tuesday Nov. 28, 2023.

New York Mayor Eric Adams is facing a heap of trouble going into the new year. Adams is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the early 90s, and his campaign is being federally investigated.

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