Women in Government

85 years ago today, Rebecca Felton (D-GA) became the first woman to serve in the United States Senate as she was appointed to fill the term of Senator Thomas Watson. She served for one day.

In 1931, however, Hattie Caraway (D-AR) became the first woman ever popularly elected to the Senate. She would serve for 14 years, and during her tenure, would also witness the rise of 3 other women to the highest national legislature--Rose Long (D-LA), Dixie Graves (D-AL), and Gladys Pyle (R-SD).

Since the establishment of the Senate in 1785, there have been 35 female senators--putting that into perspective, 1.85% of all individuals who have ever served in the Senate have been female. Today, 16 women serve in the US Senate:

Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Claire McCaskill (D-MO)

Today, and every day, we salute those courageous women who pioneered the rise of women in government. And today, no matter their beliefs or the side of the aisle they sit on, we may find true strength in those 16 women who serve their country in our most hallowed legislative hall.

"Toughness doesn't have to come in a pinstripe suit." --Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)