POLITICO Warnock win puts spotlight on Senate's shortcomings Why is the Senate so white? “The barriers of entry are very high. It’s a system of elitism.” Democratic U.S. Senate challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock waves to the crowd as he leaves the stage during a drive-in rally, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Savannah, Ga. | AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton Link Copied The Rev. Raphael Warnock joined an elite class of Black politicians when he upset incumbent Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in Georgia this week. He will be the 11th African American to ever serve in the chamber. His challenge, however, will be staying there.