In the Running: Black Republicans on the November Ballot

A roundup of African-Americans on the GOP ticket.

It's a New Day - It's unclear how successful the Republican National Party's efforts to open up the tent to more minority voters has been, but the RNC can boast an impressive number of African-Americans who are running for federal, local and statewide office. Some, like Sen. Tim Scott, who is conducting his first statewide bid, are likely shoe-ins, while others are long shots. The most important thing, however, is that they are out there and getting noticed. And if, at first, they fail, like Mia Love did in 2010, they can try again and win as Love is expected to do on Nov. 4.  —Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick) (Photo: stevezmina1/Getty Images)

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It's a New Day - It's unclear how successful the Republican National Party's efforts to open up the tent to more minority voters has been, but the RNC can boast an impressive number of African-Americans who are running for federal, local and statewide office. Some, like Sen. Tim Scott, who is conducting his first statewide bid, are likely shoe-ins, while others are long shots. The most important thing, however, is that they are out there and getting noticed. And if, at first, they fail, like Mia Love did in 2010, they can try again and win as Love is expected to do on Nov. 4.  —Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick) (Photo: stevezmina1/Getty Images)

Darius Foster for Alabama State Representative - Small business owner Darius Foster, who hopes to represent District 56 in Alabama's House of Representatives, says he is a "new face with new ideas." His platform centers on supporting small businesses, recruiting new industries to the district, increasing parental involvement in education, and prison sentencing reform. He is one of two Republican candidates for the Alabama House of Representatives who have been recognized by the Washington-based Republican State Leadership Committee as a candidate to watch in 2014. (Photo: Courtesy Darius Foster)

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Darius Foster for Alabama State Representative - Small business owner Darius Foster, who hopes to represent District 56 in Alabama's House of Representatives, says he is a "new face with new ideas." His platform centers on supporting small businesses, recruiting new industries to the district, increasing parental involvement in education, and prison sentencing reform. He is one of two Republican candidates for the Alabama House of Representatives who have been recognized by the Washington-based Republican State Leadership Committee as a candidate to watch in 2014. (Photo: Courtesy Darius Foster)

Tijuanna Adetunji for Alabama State Representative - Tijuanna Adetunji is the GOP nominee to represent District 78 in the Alabama House of Representatives and also has been recognized by the Washington-based Republican State Leadership Committee as a candidate to watch. Families and values, economic liberation, education and crime reductions are the issues on which the entrepreneur is running.(Photo: courtesy Tijuanna Adetunji campaign)

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Tijuanna Adetunji for Alabama State Representative - Tijuanna Adetunji is the GOP nominee to represent District 78 in the Alabama House of Representatives and also has been recognized by the Washington-based Republican State Leadership Committee as a candidate to watch. Families and values, economic liberation, education and crime reductions are the issues on which the entrepreneur is running.(Photo: courtesy Tijuanna Adetunji campaign)

Charles Landrum for Mayor of Newport, Arkansas - Charles Landrum is running to become mayor of Newport, Arkansas. He serves on the district staff of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford as minority field representative and grants coordinator. The Newport native says this work has taught him "the value and need for good government at all levels."(Photo: Charles Landrum for Mayor via Facebook)

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Charles Landrum for Mayor of Newport, Arkansas - Charles Landrum is running to become mayor of Newport, Arkansas. He serves on the district staff of U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford as minority field representative and grants coordinator. The Newport native says this work has taught him "the value and need for good government at all levels."(Photo: Charles Landrum for Mayor via Facebook)

Tony Barton for Kansas House of Representatives - Tony Barton is pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Leavenworth and has been named by the Republican State Leadership Committee as a candidate to watch. “I am in the fight for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — freedoms endowed to us by our Creator, which cannot be taken away yet rights that are being trampled upon every day,” he says.(Photo: Elect Tony Barton campaign via Facebook)

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Tony Barton for Kansas House of Representatives - Tony Barton is pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Leavenworth and has been named by the Republican State Leadership Committee as a candidate to watch. “I am in the fight for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — freedoms endowed to us by our Creator, which cannot be taken away yet rights that are being trampled upon every day,” he says.(Photo: Elect Tony Barton campaign via Facebook)

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Glo Smith for Congress - Glo Smith is the GOP nominee to represent Florida's 5th congressional district. She is challenging incumbent Democrat Rep. Corrine Brown, who is seeking re-election to her 12th term. This is the social-services administrator and small businesswoman's first bid for elected office.(Photo: Courtesy of Glo For Congress)

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Glo Smith for Congress - Glo Smith is the GOP nominee to represent Florida's 5th congressional district. She is challenging incumbent Democrat Rep. Corrine Brown, who is seeking re-election to her 12th term. This is the social-services administrator and small businesswoman's first bid for elected office.(Photo: Courtesy of Glo For Congress)

Lutullus S. Penton Jr. for Michigan State Representative - Lutullus S. Penton Jr. is the Republican nominee to represent Michigan's District 49 in the state's House of Representatives. The ordained minister and substitute teacher is the immediate past president of the 5th congressional district's Republican Party.(Photo: courtesy Lutullus S. Penton for 49th District Representative of Michigan campaign)

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Lutullus S. Penton Jr. for Michigan State Representative - Lutullus S. Penton Jr. is the Republican nominee to represent Michigan's District 49 in the state's House of Representatives. The ordained minister and substitute teacher is the immediate past president of the 5th congressional district's Republican Party.(Photo: courtesy Lutullus S. Penton for 49th District Representative of Michigan campaign)

Photo By Photo: courtesy Lutullus S. Penton for 49th District Representative of Michigan campaign

Shamed Dogan for Missouri House of Representatives - Shamed Dogan is running unopposed for a seat in Missouri's House of Representatives. He has worked on the staff of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, conducting opposition research and as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Jim Talent. He is currently an alderman representing Baldwin's second ward and a strong supporter of the constitutional right to bear arms.(Photo: Shamed Dogan via Twitter)

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Shamed Dogan for Missouri House of Representatives - Shamed Dogan is running unopposed for a seat in Missouri's House of Representatives. He has worked on the staff of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, conducting opposition research and as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Jim Talent. He is currently an alderman representing Baldwin's second ward and a strong supporter of the constitutional right to bear arms.(Photo: Shamed Dogan via Twitter)

Garry Cobb for Congress (New Jersey) - Former Philadelphia Eagles NFL player and now radio sportscaster Garry Cobb is the Republican nominee to represent New Jersey's Democratic-leaning 1st congressional district. "The GOP in a lot of cases hasn't proved to people they care about people. I'll tell you one thing about me: I care about people," Cobb said when announcing his bid.(Photo: Gary Cobb via Twitter)

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Garry Cobb for Congress (New Jersey) - Former Philadelphia Eagles NFL player and now radio sportscaster Garry Cobb is the Republican nominee to represent New Jersey's Democratic-leaning 1st congressional district. "The GOP in a lot of cases hasn't proved to people they care about people. I'll tell you one thing about me: I care about people," Cobb said when announcing his bid.(Photo: Gary Cobb via Twitter)

Anthony Wilkinson for Congress (New Jersey) - Anthony Wilkinson is the Republican nominee to represent New Jersey's 6th congressional district. "I will offer the district a new start and model personal sacrifice, service and statesmanship in the U.S. Congress," says the attorney and teacher.(Photo: Anthony Wilkinson via Twitter)

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Anthony Wilkinson for Congress (New Jersey) - Anthony Wilkinson is the Republican nominee to represent New Jersey's 6th congressional district. "I will offer the district a new start and model personal sacrifice, service and statesmanship in the U.S. Congress," says the attorney and teacher.(Photo: Anthony Wilkinson via Twitter)

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Dierdre Paul for Congress (New Jersey) - Dierdre Paul hopes to represent New Jersey's 9th congressional district. "I am demanding (not asking for) a seat at the table to represent the constituents of CD9," she says. "Under Democratic 'rule,' the people of Paterson and Passaic have suffered under an 'out of touch' leadership." She is a professor of education at Montclair State University.(Photo: Dierdre Paul via Facebook)

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Dierdre Paul for Congress (New Jersey) - Dierdre Paul hopes to represent New Jersey's 9th congressional district. "I am demanding (not asking for) a seat at the table to represent the constituents of CD9," she says. "Under Democratic 'rule,' the people of Paterson and Passaic have suffered under an 'out of touch' leadership." She is a professor of education at Montclair State University.(Photo: Dierdre Paul via Facebook)

Yolanda Dently for Congress (New Jersey) - Yolanda Dently is the Republican nominee to represent New Jersey's 10th congressional district. Her goal is to get the district to work "by creating jobs, but also matching people with existing jobs and training that will increase their earning potential."(Photo: Yolanda Dentley via Twitter)

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Yolanda Dently for Congress (New Jersey) - Yolanda Dently is the Republican nominee to represent New Jersey's 10th congressional district. Her goal is to get the district to work "by creating jobs, but also matching people with existing jobs and training that will increase their earning potential."(Photo: Yolanda Dentley via Twitter)

Vince Coakley for Congress (North Carolina) - Vince Coakley hopes to "transform" North Carolina's 12th congressional district as its U.S. representative. "I am running to make sure freedom is on the ballot.  At the end of the day, this is not about personalities or parties, but principles of liberty. That's why I am running for Congress. My first job is to make sure your God-given freedoms enumerated in the Constitution are upheld," he says. The former Charlotte broadcast television journalist, anchor, and radio host is challenging Democratic nominee Alma Adams to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Mel Watt.(Photo: Vince Coakley for Congress)

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Vince Coakley for Congress (North Carolina) - Vince Coakley hopes to "transform" North Carolina's 12th congressional district as its U.S. representative. "I am running to make sure freedom is on the ballot.  At the end of the day, this is not about personalities or parties, but principles of liberty. That's why I am running for Congress. My first job is to make sure your God-given freedoms enumerated in the Constitution are upheld," he says. The former Charlotte broadcast television journalist, anchor, and radio host is challenging Democratic nominee Alma Adams to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Mel Watt.(Photo: Vince Coakley for Congress)

Charlie Winburn for Ohio State Senator - Republican council member Charlie Winburn is hoping to be promoted to Ohio state senator in November, representing the largely Democratic 9th district. The Cincinnati Enquirer says the Cincinnati city councilman and pastor is an "independent-minded" leader.(Photo: Winburn for Ohio Senate Campaign)

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Charlie Winburn for Ohio State Senator - Republican council member Charlie Winburn is hoping to be promoted to Ohio state senator in November, representing the largely Democratic 9th district. The Cincinnati Enquirer says the Cincinnati city councilman and pastor is an "independent-minded" leader.(Photo: Winburn for Ohio Senate Campaign)

Hasani A. Crider for Ohio State Senator - IT consultant Hasani A. Crider is running to represent Ohio's District 25 in the state senate. Education, jobs and taxes are the primary issues on which he's running. The Cleveland Plain Dealer has endorsed his opponent, but the editorial board said it "was impressed with Crider's commitment to job creation and to helping young people prepare for meaningful careers once they get out of school."(Photo: Hasani Crider for Senate)

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Hasani A. Crider for Ohio State Senator - IT consultant Hasani A. Crider is running to represent Ohio's District 25 in the state senate. Education, jobs and taxes are the primary issues on which he's running. The Cleveland Plain Dealer has endorsed his opponent, but the editorial board said it "was impressed with Crider's commitment to job creation and to helping young people prepare for meaningful careers once they get out of school."(Photo: Hasani Crider for Senate)

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Cynthia D. Blake for Ohio State Representative - Entrepreneur Cynthia Blake is the Republican candidate to represent District 34 in the Ohio House of Representatives. "As a lifelong resident of Akron, I want to play an active role in making my community, state and country a better place to raise children, run businesses, and forge a future filled with unlimited promise for our youth and senior citizens," she says.(Photo: Cynthia D. Blake for State via Facebook)

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Cynthia D. Blake for Ohio State Representative - Entrepreneur Cynthia Blake is the Republican candidate to represent District 34 in the Ohio House of Representatives. "As a lifelong resident of Akron, I want to play an active role in making my community, state and country a better place to raise children, run businesses, and forge a future filled with unlimited promise for our youth and senior citizens," she says.(Photo: Cynthia D. Blake for State via Facebook)

Armond James for Congress (Pennsylvania) - Armond James is the Republican nominee to represent Pennsylvania's second congressional district. He is waging an uphill battle against 10-term incumbent Rep. Chaka Fattah.(Photo: Armond for Congress via Twitter)

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Armond James for Congress (Pennsylvania) - Armond James is the Republican nominee to represent Pennsylvania's second congressional district. He is waging an uphill battle against 10-term incumbent Rep. Chaka Fattah.(Photo: Armond for Congress via Twitter)

Photo By Photo: Armond for Congress via Twitter

Harry Lewis for Pennsylvania State Representative - Harry Lewis is hoping to represent District 74 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. "I will work with people from all walks of life, political parties and backgrounds to get things done. It is critical for our community and the Commonwealth to come together on key issues like education funding, jobs and property tax relief. I’ve dedicated my whole life to helping people, and I won’t let partisan politics get in my way now," the educator and athletic coach says.(Photo: Harry Lewis Jr via Facebook)

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Harry Lewis for Pennsylvania State Representative - Harry Lewis is hoping to represent District 74 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. "I will work with people from all walks of life, political parties and backgrounds to get things done. It is critical for our community and the Commonwealth to come together on key issues like education funding, jobs and property tax relief. I’ve dedicated my whole life to helping people, and I won’t let partisan politics get in my way now," the educator and athletic coach says.(Photo: Harry Lewis Jr via Facebook)

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Tim Scott for U.S. Senate (South Carolina) - Tim Scott currently holds the seat he's running for after being appointed by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to complete the term of Sen. Jim DeMint, who left the position to head a conservative foundation. Now the voters will have their say.(Photo: Gerry Melendez/The State/MCT The State/ MCT /LANDOV)

Charlotte Bergmann for Congress (Tennessee) - Charlotte Bergmann is running to represent Tennessee's 9th congressional district. The radio talk show host and small business owner is challenging three-term incumbent Democrat Steve Cohen, who replaced former Congressional Black Caucus member Harold Ford.(Photo: Bergmann for US Congress)

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Charlotte Bergmann for Congress (Tennessee) - Charlotte Bergmann is running to represent Tennessee's 9th congressional district. The radio talk show host and small business owner is challenging three-term incumbent Democrat Steve Cohen, who replaced former Congressional Black Caucus member Harold Ford.(Photo: Bergmann for US Congress)

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Will Hurd for Congress (Texas) - Former CIA operative and San Antonio, Texas, native Will Hurd is making his second bid for Congress. He ran unsuccessfully in 2010 but the Republican hopes to unseat freshman U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, a Democrat, in 2014.(Photo: Courtesy of Will Hurd for Congress)

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Will Hurd for Congress (Texas) - Former CIA operative and San Antonio, Texas, native Will Hurd is making his second bid for Congress. He ran unsuccessfully in 2010 but the Republican hopes to unseat freshman U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, a Democrat, in 2014.(Photo: Courtesy of Will Hurd for Congress)

Feeling the Love - Mia Love, a former mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, is ahead by 12 points in her race against Democrat Doug Owens to represent the state's 4th congressional district in Congress. If she prevails in November, Love would become the first black Republican woman elected to Congress. (Photo: Meredith Dake/CQ Roll Call)

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Mia Love for Congress (Utah) - Mia Love, former mayor of Sarasota Springs, Utah, made a splash in 2012 during her first run for Congress. She may be more successful the second time around because it is an open seat and the district is largely Republican. She also has the backing of the party's big wigs, including 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who said that he has gotten involved in this election cycle to help people like Love win.(Photo: Meredith Dake/CQ Roll Call)

Micah Edmond for Congress (Virginia) - Micah Edmond is in a race to represent Virginia's 8th congressional district. He is an ex-Marine, a former congressional staffer and Jewish. "I am running for U.S. Congress to make the American dream achievable for people of all backgrounds. For the first time in 24 years the [district] is an open seat," he says. "The demographics in the 8th District are changing. Hispanics, African-Americans and Asians make up 43 percent of the population. As an African-American who is also Jewish, I represent [its] growing diversity."(Photo: Micah Edmond via Twitter)

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Micah Edmond for Congress (Virginia) - Micah Edmond is in a race to represent Virginia's 8th congressional district. He is an ex-Marine, a former congressional staffer and Jewish. "I am running for U.S. Congress to make the American dream achievable for people of all backgrounds. For the first time in 24 years the [district] is an open seat," he says. "The demographics in the 8th District are changing. Hispanics, African-Americans and Asians make up 43 percent of the population. As an African-American who is also Jewish, I represent [its] growing diversity."(Photo: Micah Edmond via Twitter)

Julian Bradley for Wisconsin Secretary of State - Telecommunications executive Julian Bradley wants to be Wisconsin's next secretary of state.  "I want to reform the office, restore its duties, and rebuild the bridges of communication between the secretary of state and other branches of government that have crumbled over 30 years of passive leadership," he says.(Photo: Julian Bradley via Twitter)

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Julian Bradley for Wisconsin Secretary of State - Telecommunications executive Julian Bradley wants to be Wisconsin's next secretary of state.  "I want to reform the office, restore its duties, and rebuild the bridges of communication between the secretary of state and other branches of government that have crumbled over 30 years of passive leadership," he says.(Photo: Julian Bradley via Twitter)