November 8

Edward W. Brooke Elected To Senate

On November 8, 1966, Edward W. Brooke became the first African American elected to the United States Senate by popular vote. Brooke was elected as a Republican from the state of Massachusetts. He overwhelmingly defeated former Massachusetts Governor Endicott Peabody. He was in the senate for two terms until losing to Democrat Paul Tsongas in 1978. Edward William Brooke III was born in Washington, DC on October 26, 1919. In 1941 he graduated from Howard University and enlisted in the United States Army after the Pearl Harbor attack. Because of his college degree, he was commissioned as an officer. Brooke served five years in service and received the Bronze Star for combat in Italy during World War II. After discharge from the military, Brooke graduated in 1948 from Boston University School of Law.

In 1962 Brooke was elected as the first African American Attorney General of Massachusetts.  His election of Attorney General preceding his successful campaign and election to the United States Senate in 1966.  Senator Edward W. Brooke died in Coral Gables, Florida on January 3, 2015 at age 95.  He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.