The number of African-American candidates running for office is higher this year compared to 2012 with most of them are Democrats hailing from the South. A small number of the black candidates are female.

According to David Bositis, a senior research associate at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, 82 nominees are African-Americans who are running for federal office this 2014.

Like Us on Facebook

Of the 82 nominees, 64 are Democrats, while 18 are Republicans. Also, three candidates are vying for a seat in the House of Representatives. In 2012, there were only 72 black candidates who ran for public office.

However, Bositis thinks that the increasing number of African-American nominees does not mean a positive development in local political dynamics.

"Many of the increases are occurring in the Southern States where most whites are withdrawing from Democratic party politics," Bositis said.

He said that by default, black candidates get nominated.

The trend does not bode well for many of the black candidates and even with their rising number, the future remains uncertain.

However, there is good news for women. Four of the black candidates this year are women running for Congress. These are: Alma Adams (D-NC), Brenda Lawrence (D-Mi), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) and Mia Love (R-Ut.).

If she wins, Love would be the first black Republican elected in Congress.

Today, 44 African Americans in the Congress, it is expected that their ranks will grow this November. By January, the Congress would have the highest number of African Americans serving in U.S. history.

Tagspolitics, Social Issues, United States Congress, Democratic Party, Political Parties in the United States