(WCIV) — Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott made history on Friday as the longest-serving African American senator in the 235-year history of the institution. Scott, 59, the only Black Republican senator, was appointed in 2012 by then-Gov. Nikki Haley (R) after Sen. Jim DeMint abruptly resigned. In 2025, the Senate will see its highest-ever Black senators serving concurrently. The group includes Sens. Raphael Warnock, Booker, Scott, Angela Alsobrooks, and Lisa Blunt Rochester. “As we begin the 119th Congress, Senate Republicans have high enthusiasm and are focused on delivering for the American people!” Scott said. “This Congress, I am thrilled to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “My goal is simple: make America work for Americans. As we get to work cleaning up the mess from the previous administration, I look forward to working with President Trump on his priorities, including paving a path for all Americans to have the necessary tools and resources to achieve their version of the American Dream. We will unlock opportunity, strengthen our nation, and make America the shining city on the Hill again.” The longest-serving Black senator was Sen. Edward Brooke, a Republican from Massachusets, who served two full terms from 1967 to 1979. There have been 12 African-American elected or appointed senators, according to the Senate Historical Office.   As we begin the 119th Congress, Senate Republicans have high enthusiasm and are focused on delivering for the American people! I look forward to working with President Trump to pave a path for all Americans to achieve their version of the American Dream. https://t.co/jCnjqgbG5w — Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) January 3, 2025 Along with the highest number of Black senators, Rochester and Alsobrooks are the first Black women to serve in the Senate at the same time. Scott’s story is a familiar one. He was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, Scott’s parents divorced when he was 7. He then lived in his maternal grandparents’ house alongside his mother and brother. He graduated in 1988 from Charleston Southern University. He then rose from Charleston County Council to the South Carolina State House and the U.S. House of Representatives until he was appointed to the Senate. “Today, @SenatorTimScott becomes the longest-serving Black U.S. Senator in history!” said Rep. Nancy Mace (R, S.C.-01). “He is living proof of the American Dream and God’s grace. This milestone reflects the trust and belief the people of South Carolina have in Senator Scott and his optimistic, conservative vision for our state. South Carolina is in great hands.”   Today, @SenatorTimScott becomes the longest-serving Black U.S. Senator in history! He is living proof of the American Dream and God’s grace. This milestone reflects the trust and belief the people of South Carolina have in Senator Scott and his optimistic, conservative vision… pic.twitter.com/t3kcJ0A2xC — Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 4, 2025   In the 119th Congress, Scott will serve on the following committees: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Finance Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Small Business and Entrepreneurship Homeland Security and Government Affairs Special Committee on Aging Scott is the chairman of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. He will also serve as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Categories: News, Politics, State Tags: Senator Tim Scott, Tim Scott, US Senator Tim Scott