In the Running: Black Democrats on the November Ballot

How will these candidates fare in the midterm elections?

Turn Out for What? - This year, a record number of African-Americans are running for statewide and federal office. Some of the candidates featured here are expected to win while others are a bit of a long shot. One thing is certain, however: Black voters could make the difference in critical races around the country, regardless of the candidate's race. Turn out for that. –  Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick) (Photo: stevezmina1/Getty Images)

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Turn Out for What? - This year, a record number of African-Americans are running for statewide and federal office. Some of the candidates featured here are expected to win while others are a bit of a long shot. One thing is certain, however: Black voters could make the difference in critical races around the country, regardless of the candidate's race. Turn out for that. –  Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick) (Photo: stevezmina1/Getty Images)

Anthony Brown for Governor (Maryland) - Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown currently holds a modest seven-point lead in his race against Republican Larry Hogan to become Maryland's next governor. The Washington Post on Oct. 12 endorsed Brown's candidacy, albeit in a lesser of two evils kind of way. "Mr. Brown is the more knowledgeable man and the more nimble politician; he would make a better governor," the editors wrote. "His record in public office is hardly unblemished — the disastrous rollout of the state’s health-care exchange was mismanaged under his watch. But Mr. Brown’s breadth of experience, coupled with the lack of credibility at the heart of Mr. Hogan’s program, inform our endorsement." If Brown prevails on Nov. 4, he will be the first  African-American to hold the state's top spot. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times/The Washington Times /Landov)

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Anthony Brown for Governor (Maryland) - Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown currently holds a modest seven-point lead in his race against Republican Larry Hogan to become Maryland's next governor. The Washington Post on Oct. 12 endorsed Brown's candidacy, albeit in a lesser of two evils kind of way. "Mr. Brown is the more knowledgeable man and the more nimble politician; he would make a better governor," the editors wrote. "His record in public office is hardly unblemished — the disastrous rollout of the state’s health-care exchange was mismanaged under his watch. But Mr. Brown’s breadth of experience, coupled with the lack of credibility at the heart of Mr. Hogan’s program, inform our endorsement." If Brown prevails on Nov. 4, he will be the first  African-American to hold the state's top spot. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times/The Washington Times /Landov)

Nina Turner for Secretary of State (Ohio) - Bold-faced names from former President Bill Clinton to TV personality Jerry Springer, a former mayor of Cincinnati, have lined up in support of Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner's bid to replace Jon Husted, the current secretary of state. "Be it women's rights, workers' rights, or economic opportunity for Ohio's families, Nina is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at the American dream," Clinton said in a mailer endorsing her candidacy. "She truly understands the struggles of working and middle-class families and, unlike her opponent, Nina has fought to make voting more convenient, simple, and secure." The race so far is tight and not surprisingly voting rights is the issue Turner and Husted have battled over the most. (Photo: Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer/Landov)

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Nina Turner for Secretary of State (Ohio) - Bold-faced names from former President Bill Clinton to TV personality Jerry Springer, a former mayor of Cincinnati, have lined up in support of Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner's bid to replace Jon Husted, the current secretary of state. "Be it women's rights, workers' rights, or economic opportunity for Ohio's families, Nina is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at the American dream," Clinton said in a mailer endorsing her candidacy. "She truly understands the struggles of working and middle-class families and, unlike her opponent, Nina has fought to make voting more convenient, simple, and secure." The race so far is tight and not surprisingly voting rights is the issue Turner and Husted have battled over the most. (Photo: Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer/Landov)

Joe Neguse for Secretary of State (Colorado) - Joe Neguse, the son of east-African immigrants who fled war-torn Eritrea, knows firsthand what it means to pursue the American dream. He hopes to help others reach theirs as Colorado's next secretary of state through access to the ballot and business opportunities. In 2012, the Colorado Democratic Party named Neguse, an attorney and University of Colorado regent, its rising star. His opponent is El Paso County Clerk Wayne Williams, whose greater experience and moderate stand on voting rights may give him the edge over Neguse, whom all agree is very impressive. (Photo: Joe Neguse via Twitter)

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Joe Neguse for Secretary of State (Colorado) - Joe Neguse, the son of east-African immigrants who fled war-torn Eritrea, knows firsthand what it means to pursue the American dream. He hopes to help others reach theirs as Colorado's next secretary of state through access to the ballot and business opportunities. In 2012, the Colorado Democratic Party named Neguse, an attorney and University of Colorado regent, its rising star. His opponent is El Paso County Clerk Wayne Williams, whose greater experience and moderate stand on voting rights may give him the edge over Neguse, whom all agree is very impressive. (Photo: Joe Neguse via Twitter)

Bakari Sellers for Lieutenant Governor (South Carolina) - South Carolina state Rep. Bakari Sellers is a civil rights legacy. The son of leader and activist Cleveland Sellers is just 29 and has served in the statehouse since 2006. He believes he's ready for a promotion to lieutenant governor. According to one local newspaper, his race against former state attorney general Henry McMaster represents "something old [and] something new." If elected, Sellers could join Republican Tim Scott, who's running for his first full term as U.S. senator, as one of two African-Americans to be elected statewide since Reconstruction. (Photo: Courtesy of Bakari Sellers)

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Bakari Sellers for Lieutenant Governor (South Carolina) - South Carolina state Rep. Bakari Sellers is a civil rights legacy. The son of leader and activist Cleveland Sellers is just 29 and has served in the statehouse since 2006. He believes he's ready for a promotion to lieutenant governor. According to one local newspaper, his race against former state attorney general Henry McMaster represents "something old [and] something new." If elected, Sellers could join Republican Tim Scott, who's running for his first full term as U.S. senator, as one of two African-Americans to be elected statewide since Reconstruction. (Photo: Courtesy of Bakari Sellers)

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Tom Thompson for State School Superintendent (South Carolina) - Longtime educator Tom Thompson is running for the office of South Carolina school superintendent. He is currently the Ph.D. coordinator for the college of education at Walden University and if elected would oversee many current school administrators who he has trained. "I want to be the state's top teacher and a catalyst that fuels the dreams of every student in South Carolina – a poster child for infinite possibilities," he says. (Photo: Tom Thompson 2010 via Facebook)

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Tom Thompson for State School Superintendent (South Carolina) - Longtime educator Tom Thompson is running for the office of South Carolina school superintendent. He is currently the Ph.D. coordinator for the college of education at Walden University and if elected would oversee many current school administrators who he has trained. "I want to be the state's top teacher and a catalyst that fuels the dreams of every student in South Carolina – a poster child for infinite possibilities," he says. (Photo: Tom Thompson 2010 via Facebook)

Joyce Dickerson for U.S. Senate (South Carolina) - Joyce Dickerson, a Richland County Council member, is vying to replace U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. It's time to represent all of South Carolina, she says. Winning is a long shot, but then again, one never knows. Just ask former U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), who experienced a stunning primary defeat at the hands of a little-known university professor and political neophyte. (Photo: Tim Dominick/The State/MCT/Landov)

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Joyce Dickerson for U.S. Senate (South Carolina) - Joyce Dickerson, a Richland County Council member, is vying to replace U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. It's time to represent all of South Carolina, she says. Winning is a long shot, but then again, one never knows. Just ask former U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), who experienced a stunning primary defeat at the hands of a little-known university professor and political neophyte. (Photo: Tim Dominick/The State/MCT/Landov)

Alma Adams for Congress (North Carolina) - Heads up, Frederica Wilson – some new millinery is coming to town. Alma Adams, who currently serves in the North Carolina House of Representatives, will more than likely win her bid to fill the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Mel Watt when he left Congress to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency. She won 40 percent of the vote in a seven-person primary and is expected to coast to victory on Nov. 4.  (Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

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Alma Adams for Congress (North Carolina) - Heads up, Frederica Wilson – some new millinery is coming to town. Alma Adams, who currently serves in the North Carolina House of Representatives, will more than likely win her bid to fill the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Mel Watt when he left Congress to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency. She won 40 percent of the vote in a seven-person primary and is expected to coast to victory on Nov. 4.  (Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Connie Stokes for Lieutenant Governor (Georgia) - Former state senator Connie Stokes is the Democratic nominee for Georgia lieutenant governor. While the race for the top of the ticket is very tight, Stokes trails her Republican opponent, incumbent Lt. Gov. Case Gagle, by 51 percent to 39 percent based on early voting results so far. (Photo: Connie Stoke for Lt Governor campaign)

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Connie Stokes for Lieutenant Governor (Georgia) - Former state senator Connie Stokes is the Democratic nominee for Georgia lieutenant governor. While the race for the top of the ticket is very tight, Stokes trails her Republican opponent, incumbent Lt. Gov. Case Gagle, by 51 percent to 39 percent based on early voting results so far. (Photo: Connie Stoke for Lt Governor campaign)

Valarie Wilson for State School Superintendent (Georgia) - Valarie Wilson, a former president of the Georgia School Boards Association, is vying for incumbent state school superintendent Richard Woods's job. She currently holds a money advantage in the final weeks of the campaign with more than $67,000 compared to his $9,000, but the race is too tight to call. (Credit Image: © Zach Boyden-Holmes/Staff/The Augusta Chronicle)

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Valarie Wilson for State School Superintendent (Georgia) - Valarie Wilson, a former president of the Georgia School Boards Association, is vying for incumbent state school superintendent Richard Woods's job. She currently holds a money advantage in the final weeks of the campaign with more than $67,000 compared to his $9,000, but the race is too tight to call. (Credit Image: © Zach Boyden-Holmes/Staff/The Augusta Chronicle)

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Doreen Carter for Secretary of State (Georgia) - Voting rights is at the center of Doreen Carter's bid to become Georgia secretary of state. The Republican incumbent, Brian Kemp, currently has the advantage both financially and in the polls. (Photo: Friends for Doreen Carter campaign via Facebook)

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Doreen Carter for Secretary of State (Georgia) - Voting rights is at the center of Doreen Carter's bid to become Georgia secretary of state. The Republican incumbent, Brian Kemp, currently has the advantage both financially and in the polls. (Photo: Friends for Doreen Carter campaign via Facebook)

Robbin Shipp for Labor Commissioner (Georgia) - Robbin Shipp is running to become Georgia's next labor commissioner. The former assistant district attorney and state representative says that if she is elected, her top priority will be to ensure that all workers in her state are able to earn a livable wage. (Photo: Robin Shipp via Twitter)

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Robbin Shipp for Labor Commissioner (Georgia) - Robbin Shipp is running to become Georgia's next labor commissioner. The former assistant district attorney and state representative says that if she is elected, her top priority will be to ensure that all workers in her state are able to earn a livable wage. (Photo: Robin Shipp via Twitter)

Liz Johnson for Insurance Commissioner (Georgia) - Liz Johnson, one of five Black women running for statewide office in Georgia, is seeking the office of insurance commissioner. The incumbent, Ralph Hudgens, holds a massive financial advantage, but Johnson hopes high voter turnout will increase her chances. (Photo: Courtesy Elect Liz Johnson Campaign)

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Liz Johnson for Insurance Commissioner (Georgia) - Liz Johnson, one of five Black women running for statewide office in Georgia, is seeking the office of insurance commissioner. The incumbent, Ralph Hudgens, holds a massive financial advantage, but Johnson hopes high voter turnout will increase her chances. (Photo: Courtesy Elect Liz Johnson Campaign)

Brenda Lawrence for Congress (Michigan) - The votes aren't yet counted, but Southfield, Michigan Mayor Brenda Lawrence is considered a shoe-in to represent her state in Congress. She has received endorsements from the state's top unions and trade groups, Emily's List and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. (Photo: Courtesy of Brenda Lawrence)

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Brenda Lawrence for Congress (Michigan) - The votes aren't yet counted, but Southfield, Michigan Mayor Brenda Lawrence is considered a shoe-in to represent her state in Congress. She has received endorsements from the state's top unions and trade groups, Emily's List and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. (Photo: Courtesy of Brenda Lawrence)

Muriel Bowser for Mayor (Washington, D.C.) - In an overwhelmingly Democratic city, council member Muriel Bowser is widely expected to become the next mayor of the nation's capital. She made national headlines earlier this year when she knocked incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray out of the race. (Photo: Cliff Owen/AP Photo)

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Muriel Bowser for Mayor (Washington, D.C.) - In an overwhelmingly Democratic city, council member Muriel Bowser is widely expected to become the next mayor of the nation's capital. She made national headlines earlier this year when she knocked incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray out of the race. (Photo: Cliff Owen/AP Photo)