Jan 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
As the 119th Congress convenes on Friday, January 3, Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is set to make history as the longest-serving African American in the 235-year history of the U.S. Senate.
At 59, Scott, the only Black Republican senator, was appointed in 2012 by then-Governor Nikki Haley (R) after Senator Jim DeMint resigned abruptly to take the helm of the conservative Heritage Foundation.
“As we begin the 119th Congress, Senate Republicans have high enthusiasm and are focused on delivering for the American people! This Congress, I am thrilled to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee,” Scott said in a statement. “My goal is simple: make America work for Americans.”
The title of longest-serving Black senator was previously held by Senator Edward Brooke (R-Mass.), who served two full terms from 1967 to 1979.
According to the Senate Historical Office, there have been 12 African American senators appointed or elected in the U.S. Senate’s history.
Scott, who was a Republican presidential candidate in the 2024 election, endorsed President-elect Donald Trump over Governor Nikki Haley, another presidential contender, after he exited the race following the third GOP primary debate.
On Friday, Scott expressed eagerness to work with Trump: “We will unlock opportunity, strengthen our nation, and make America the shining city on the Hill again,” he said.
In 2025, the Senate will have its largest-ever group of Black senators serving simultaneously. In addition to Scott, this group includes Senators Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware.
Scott’s political career began when he was elected to Charleston County Council, followed by service in the South Carolina State House and U.S. House of Representatives. Source: USA Today
