Tim Scott Becomes Longest-Serving Black Senator in U.S. History

The South Carolina Republican also assumes historic leadership roles in the 119th Congress, including chairing a Senate standing committee.

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) has surpassed Edward Brooke’s record to become the longest-serving Black senator in U.S. history, with his tenure beginning in 2012.
Scott is the first Black chairman of a Senate standing committee, leading the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in the 119th Congress.
The 2025 Senate features the largest number of Black senators serving concurrently, including Scott and four Democratic senators, two of whom are the first Black women to serve together in the chamber.
Scott, who briefly ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has endorsed President-elect Donald Trump and will work closely with his administration.
Raised in a single-parent household in South Carolina, Scott’s career has included roles in local government, the U.S. House, and now the Senate, where he continues to break historic barriers.