Kentucky just elected its first African-American to statewide office

The state of Kentucky is 8.2 percent African-American, according to U.S. Census data, but last night marked the first time a black Kentuckian was elected to statewide office.

The trailblazer in question is Lieutenant Governor-elect Jenean Hampton, a Republican. A Detroit native and Air Force veteran, Hampton is a newcomer to politics, though in 2014 she unsuccessfully challenged a Kentucky state house representative. Hampton is a Tea Party activist whose 2014 race was endorsed by fellow Kentuckian Sen. Rand Paul (R).

"Sometimes you're screaming at the TV, you see things that need to be improved, and you're screaming that someone needs do something," Hampton said, explaining her unexpected foray into public life. "Well sometimes that someone is you."

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