Introduction.(African American Members of the United States Congress: 1870-2011)(Statistical data)

One hundred thirty-two African Americans have served in the U.S. Congress: 126 in the House and six in the Senate. (1) Of these, 31 have been women. A record 44 African American Members (all in the House, including two delegates) serve in the 112th Congress. All but 2 are Democrats and 15 are women. No African Americans have served in both houses of Congress.

The majority of African American Members of Congress (103) have been Democrats; 29 have been Republicans. Five others, all Democrats, have served as Delegates to the House. All of the Democrats have been elected in the 20th and 21st centuries. Twenty-two African American Republicans served in the 19th century House, five in the 20th century (four in the House and one in the Senate), and one was reelected to a single term in the 21st century before retiring. Two others have been elected to the House in the 21st century.

Historical Overview of African Americans in Congress

Excluding delegates, African Americans currently hold 42 (9.7%) of …