Blunt Rochester, Lisa

Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the U.S. Senate, having been elected in 2024 after serving eight years in the House of Representatives. As ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Education and the American Family, she leads the Democratic opposition on education policy within the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. This role gives her significant influence over hearings, investigations, and legislative priorities affecting American schools, student support programs, and workforce development—though as the minority party member, her power is limited compared to the subcommittee chair.

Blunt Rochester brings substantial experience in labor and social policy to her committee work. She began her political career as an intern for Tom Carper in the House, later serving on his gubernatorial transition team. She held key state positions including deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services and secretary of the Department of Labor, giving her direct experience with workforce development and employment issues. From 2004 to 2016, she served as CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, a community development organization focused on economic opportunity and social equity.

Since entering the Senate, Blunt Rochester has focused on education and workforce development legislation. She has sponsored bills including the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act of 2025, reflecting her interest in preparing workers for emerging industries. She also serves on the Banking, Commerce, and Environment committees, giving her a broad platform on economic and infrastructure issues affecting her state and nation.

Blunt Rochester made history as the first woman and first African American to represent Delaware in both the House and Senate. She was a co-chair of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign and won her 2024 Senate race by a landslide, establishing herself as a prominent Democratic voice on education, labor, and economic opportunity.