Raphael Warnock: Georgia’s First Black Senator

Raphael Warnock will make history by becoming Georgia's first Black senator. He is also the first Black Democrat to represent a southern state in the senate. Warnock will be the 11th African American to serve in the US Senate. 

Warnock beat GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler with the help of Black voters in the Atlanta metro area. On Wednesday, Warnock told CNN's John Berman that his victory was “stunning, but in America anything is possible.”

“That's why I love this country so much and I refuse to give in to the forces of cynicism. It takes hard work. Change is slow, often it comes in fits and starts,” he said. “Our democracy tends to expand and then there are moments when it contracts.”

Warnock's projected victory is a significant breakthrough for African Americans in southern politics. State House Democratic leader Stacey Abrams was instrumental in his victory. She and other activist deserve credit with years of voter registration drives. Stacey Abrams was instrumental in helping Georgia turn blue. 

Warnock grew up in Savannah, Georgia and was the first college graduate in his family. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta. In a speech Tuesday night, Warnock thanked supporters, while paying tribute to his parents. Warnock highlighted his family history as how his candidacy is of the American dream.

This victory along with Democrat Jon Ossoff's win against Republican Sen. David Perdue brings change to the control of the senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will lose control of the senate following these victories.