South Middlesex Times

Marla Blunt-Carter, a Rutgers professor and campaign advisor, played a significant role in her sister Lisa Blunt Rochester's historic victory as Delaware’s first Black U.S. senator. The election marked a bittersweet moment for the sisters, as it was their first without their father, who had inspired their commitment to public service.

Blunt-Carter expressed mixed emotions on election night: “Her victory brought immense joy to all of us, and the moment was also bittersweet as we deeply felt my father’s absence,” she said. Despite the sadness, she noted that they felt hope amid the heaviness.

Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland are now among only four Black women ever elected to the U.S. Senate. Debbie Walsh from Rutgers' Center for Women in American Politics highlighted the significance of this achievement: “It is substantively important because they will bring important and missing perspectives to the Senate.”

The sisters found solace in these victories despite Kamala Harris's loss to Donald Trump. Marla Blunt-Carter emphasized her sister's readiness for her new role: “My sister understands her assignment. She’s not mad, she’s motivated,” she said.

Blunt-Carter will continue advising her sister in the Senate while maintaining her roles as a political social worker and professor at Rutgers School of Social Work. Her experiences inform her teaching approach: “I’m training future social workers to engage in community empowerment,” she stated.

Reflecting on her journey, Blunt-Carter recalled how Maya Angelou once encouraged her during a challenging time: “She saw me running from what I thought was my failure.”

Throughout her career, Blunt-Carter has held various influential positions including working for then-Senator Joseph Biden and serving as Delaware’s state director for Obama’s campaign. She joined Rutgers-Camden ten years ago with a focus on teaching students about societal change.

Recently honored with Rutgers University’s Torchbearer Award, Blunt-Carter also serves on a White House advisory commission focused on advancing educational equity for Black Americans.

Despite never aspiring to run for office herself, Blunt-Carter remains committed to empowering others: “My passion lies in empowering others to lead,” she said.