Carol Moseley Braun became the first African American female senator when she was elected to represent Illinois in 1992. She served in the Senate from 1993 to 1999. During her time in office, she focused on issues such as civil rights, healthcare, education, and the environment. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and played a key role in passing the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. Carolyn Moseley Braun’s Senate term ended when she was defeated in her bid for re-election in 1998.