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Women in the United States House of Representatives

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Women have served in the United States House of Representatives since the 1917 entrance of Jeannette Rankin from Montana, a member of the Republican Party. Over 300 women have since served as U.S. Representatives. As of January 2019, there are 102 women in the U.S. House of Representatives (not counting four female territorial delegates), making women 23.4% of the total of U.S. Representatives.[1]

Women have been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from 46 of the 50 states. The states that have not elected a woman to the U.S. House of Representatives are Alaska, Mississippi, North Dakota and Vermont—though Alaska, Mississippi and North Dakota have elected women to the United States Senate. Women have also been sent to congress from 5 of the 6 territories of the United States; the only Territory that has not sent a woman to the U.S. House of Representatives is the Northern Mariana Islands. California has elected more women to Congress than any other state, with 41 U.S. Representatives elected since 1923. To date, no woman has ever been elected from more than one state at different times or as a third party member in her career though one was elected as an Independent.

Firsts

Sometimes called the "Lady of the House", Jeannette Rankin entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1917 as the first woman in Congress.
Nancy Pelosi, 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (2007–2011, 2019–), the only woman to hold the position.

Jeannette Rankin entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1917 as the first woman in either chamber of Congress.[2] Florence Prag Kahn entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1925 as the first Jewish woman in either chamber of Congress.[3]

U.S. Representative Vera Buchanan died in 1955, making her the first woman in either chamber to die in office.[4] Patsy Mink, an Asian American, entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1965 as the first woman of color in either chamber of Congress.[5][6] U.S. Representative Charlotte Reid became the first woman to wear pants in the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate in 1969.[7]

Shirley Chisholm entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1969 as the first African American woman in either chamber of Congress.[8] U.S. Representative Yvonne Brathwaite Burke became the first member of the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate to give birth while in office and first person to be granted maternity leave by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1973, with the birth of her daughter Autumn.[9][10]

The gym of the U.S. House of Representatives (with the exception of its swimming pool) first opened to women in 1985, the gym having previously been male-only. The swimming pool opened to women in 2009, the pool having previously been male-only.[11] Ileana Ros-Lehtinen entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1989 as the first Latina in either chamber of Congress.[12] Tammy Baldwin entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999 as the first openly gay woman in either chamber of Congress.[13][14][15]

Nancy Pelosi became the first female House Minority Whip in 2002.[16] She went on to become the first and only to date female Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in 2007.[17] Also in 2007, Mazie Hirono entered the U.S. House of Representatives as the first female Buddhist in either chamber of Congress.

In 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives got its first women’s bathroom near the chamber (Room H-211 of the U.S. Capitol).[18] Tulsi Gabbard entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013 as the first Hindu person in either chamber of Congress.[19][20] Also in 2013, Kyrsten Sinema entered the U.S. House of Representatives as the first openly bisexual woman in either chamber of Congress.

In the 2018 general elections, there was a wave of firsts elected to the United States House of Representatives for the 116th Congress. A record-breaking 103 women have been elected or re-elected into the United States House of Representatives, causing many to call it the "Year of the Woman".[21] Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim women ever elected to either house of Congress, with Tlaib the first Palestian-American woman elected to Congress and Omar the first Somali American of either gender to be elected. Also in this election, Angie Craig became the first lesbian mother to be elected to Congress. Sharice Davids became the first lesbian Native American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman to be elected into either house of Congress.

Widow's succession

Mae Ella Nolan was the first woman elected to her husband's seat in Congress, which is sometimes known as the widow's succession. In the early years of women in Congress, the seat was held only until the next election and the women retired after that single Congress. She thereby became a placeholder merely finishing out her late husband's elected term. As the years progressed, however, more and more of these widow successors sought re-election. These women began to win their own elections.

38 widows have won their husbands' seats in the House, and eight in the Senate. The only current example is Representative Doris Matsui of California. The most successful example is Margaret Chase Smith of Maine, who served a total of 32 years in both houses and became the first woman elected to both the House and the Senate. She began the end of McCarthyism with a famous speech, "The Declaration of Conscience", became the first major-party female presidential candidate and the first woman to receive votes at a national nominating convention, and was the first (and highest ranking to date) woman to enter the Republican Party Senate leadership (in the third-highest post of Chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference). The third woman elected to Congress, Winnifred Huck, was similarly elected to her father's seat.

Number of women

Number of women in the United States House of Representatives and Senate by Congress

Women U.S. Representatives of the 113th Congress
The number of women who sought and won election to Congress in each election cycle from 1974 to 2018.[22][23]

Number of women in the United States Congress (1917–2021):[24][25]

Congress Years in Congress %
65th 1917–1919 1 0.2%
66th 1919–1921 0 0%
67th 1921–1923 4 0.7%
68th 1923–1925 1 0.2%
69th 1925–1927 3 0.6%
70th 1927–1929 5 0.9%
71st 1929–1931 9 1.7%
72nd 1931–1933 8 1.5%
73rd 1933–1935 8 1.5%
74th 1935–1937 8 1.5%
75th 1937–1939 9 1.7%
76th 1939–1941 9 1.7%
77th 1941–1943 10 1.9%
78th 1943–1945 9 1.7%
79th 1945–1947 11 2.1%
80th 1947–1949 8 1.5%
81st 1949–1951 10 1.9%
82nd 1951–1953 11 2.1%
83rd 1953–1955 15 2.8%
84th 1955–1957 18 3.4%
85th 1957–1959 16 3.0%
86th 1959–1961 19 3.5%
87th 1961–1963 20 3.7%
88th 1963–1965 14 2.6%
89th 1965–1967 13 2.4%
90th 1967–1969 12 2.2%
91st 1969–1971 11 2.1%
92nd 1971–1973 15 2.8%
93rd 1973–1975 16 3.0%
94th 1975–1977 19 3.6%
95th 1977–1979 20 3.7%
96th 1979–1981 17 3.2%
97th 1981–1983 23 4.3%
98th 1983–1985 24 4.5%
99th 1985–1987 25 4.7%
100th 1987–1989 26 4.9%
101st 1989–1991 31 5.8%
102nd 1991–1993 33 6.2%
103rd 1993–1995 55 10.3%
104th 1995–1997 59 11.0%
105th 1997–1999 66 12.3%
106th 1999–2001 67 12.5%
107th 2001–2003 75 14.0%
108th 2003–2005 77 14.4%
109th 2005–2007 85 15.9%
110th 2007–2009 94 17.6%
111th 2009–2011 96 17.9%
112th 2011–2013 96 17.9%
113th 2013–2015 101[26] 19.1%
114th 2015–2017 104 19.4%
115th 2017–2019 104 19.4%
116th 2019–2021 127 23.7%

Number of women in the United States House of Representatives by party

Notes: "% of party" is taken from voting members at the beginning of the Congress, while numbers and "% of women" include all female House members of the given Congress

Congress Years Women total Republican % of women % of party Democratic % of women % of party
65th 1917–1919 1 1 100% 0.5% 0 0.0% 0.0%
66th 1919–1921 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0 0.0% 0.0%
67th 1921–1923 3 3 100% 0.3% 0 0.0% 0.0%
68th 1923–1925 1 1 100% 0.4% 0 0.0% 0.0%
69th 1925–1927 3 2 66.7% 0.4% 1 33.3% 0.5%
70th 1927–1929 5 3 60.0% 1.3% 2 40.0% 0.5%
71st 1929–1931 9 5 55.6% 1.9% 4 44.4% 1.8%
72nd 1931–1933 7 3 42.9% 1.4% 4 57.1% 1.4%
73rd 1933–1935 7 3 42.9% 1.7% 4 57.1% 1.0%
74th 1935–1937 6 2 33.3% 1.9% 4 66.7% 1.2%
75th 1937–1939 6 1 16.7% 1.1% 5 83.3% 1.2%
76th 1939–1941 8 4 50.0% 1.2% 4 50.0% 0.8%
77th 1941–1943 9 5 55.6% 3.1% 4 44.4% 0.7%
78th 1943–1945 8 6 75.0% 2.9% 2 25.0% 0.5%
79th 1945–1947 11 5 45.5% 2.6% 6 54.5% 1.7%
80th 1947–1949 7 5 71.4% 2.0% 2 28.6% 1.1%
81st 1949–1951 9 4 44.4% 2.3% 5 55.6% 1.5%
82nd 1951–1953 10 6 60.0% 3.0% 4 40.0% 0.9%
83rd 1953–1955 12 7 58.3% 2.7% 5 41.7% 2.3%
84th 1955–1957 17 7 41.2% 3.0% 10 58.8% 3.4%
85th 1957–1959 15 6 40.0% 3.0% 9 60.0% 3.8%
86th 1959–1961 17 8 47.1% 5.2% 9 52.9% 2.8%
87th 1961–1963 18 7 38.9% 3.5% 11 61.1% 3.4%
88th 1963–1965 12 6 50.0% 2.8% 6 50.0% 2.3%
89th 1965–1967 11 4 36.4% 2.9% 7 63.6% 2.0%
90th 1967–1969 11 5 45.5% 2.7% 6 54.5% 2.4%
91st 1969–1971 10 4 40.0% 2.1% 6 60.0% 2.5%
92nd 1971–1973 13 3 23.1% 1.1% 10 76.9% 3.5%
93rd 1973–1975 16 2 12.5% 1.0% 14 87.5% 5.0%
94th 1975–1977 19 5 26.3% 2.8% 14 73.7% 4.8%
95th 1977–1979 18 5 27.8% 3.5% 13 72.2% 4.5%
96th 1979–1981 16 5 31.3% 3.2% 11 68.8% 4.0%
97th 1981–1983 21 10 47.6% 4.7% 11 52.4% 3.7%
98th 1983–1985 22 9 40.9% 5.5% 13 59.1% 4.4%
99th 1985–1987 23 11 47.8% 6.0% 12 52.2% 4.3%
100th 1987–1989 24 11 45.8% 6.2% 13 54.2% 4.3%
101st 1989–1991 29 13 44.8% 6.0% 16 55.2% 5.6%
102nd 1991–1993 30 9 30.0% 5.5% 21 70.0% 7.0%
103rd 1993–1995 48 12 25.0% 6.8% 36 75.0% 13.6%
104th 1995–1997 50 18 36.0% 7.4% 32 64.0% 14.7%
105th 1997–1999 57 18 31.6% 6.6% 39 68.4% 17.0%
106th 1999–2001 58 17 29.3% 7.6% 41 70.7% 18.5%
107th 2001–2003 62 18 29.0% 8.1% 44 71.0% 19.0%
108th 2003–2005 63 21 33.3% 9.2% 42 66.7% 18.5%
109th 2005–2007 71 25 35.2% 9.9% 46 64.8% 20.9%
110th 2007–2009 78 21 26.9% 9.9% 57 73.1% 20.2%
111th 2009–2011 79 17 21.5% 9.6% 62 78.5% 21.5%
112th 2011–2013 79 24 30.4% 9.9% 55 69.6% 23.8%
113th 2013–2015 82 20 24.4% 8.2% 62 75.6% 29.0%
114th 2015–2017 88 23 26.2% 8.9% 65 73.8% 33.0%
115th 2017–2019 89 25 25.3% 8.7% 64 74.7% 32.0%
116th 2019–2021 102 13 12.7% 6.5% 89 87.3% 37.9%

Percentage of women by party and year


Showing the data tabulated below as a graph

List of female members

This is a complete list of women who have served as U.S. Representatives or delegates of the United States House of Representatives, ordered by seniority. Members are grouped by the apportionment period in which such member commenced serving. This list includes women who served in the past and who continue to serve in the present.

1917 to 1932

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Rankin Jeannette Rankin
(1880–1973)
Republican Montana at-large March 4, 1917
March 4, 1919
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 1918 United States Senate election in Montana
First woman elected to a national office
Montana's 1st January 3, 1941
January 3, 1943
Retired
Rep. Robertson Alice Robertson
(1854–1931)
Republican Oklahoma's 2nd March 4, 1921
March 4, 1923
Lost reelection
First woman to defeat an incumbent congressman
Rep. Huck Winnifred Huck
(1882–1936)
Republican Illinois at-large November 7, 1922
March 4, 1923
Lost renomination
Succeeded her father in a special election
First woman incumbent defeated in a primary
First woman to win a special election
Rep. Nolan Mae Nolan
(1886–1973)
Republican California's 5th January 23, 1923
March 4, 1925
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Kahn Florence Kahn
(1866–1948)
Republican California's 4th March 4, 1925
January 3, 1937
Lost reelection
First woman to be reelected
First Jewish woman elected
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Norton Mary Norton
(1875–1959)
Democratic New Jersey's 12th March 4, 1925
March 4, 1933
First Democratic woman elected
Redistricted
New Jersey's 13th March 4, 1933
January 3, 1951
Retired
Rep. Rogers Edith Rogers
(1881–1960)
Republican Massachusetts's 5th June 30, 1925
September 10, 1960
Died in office
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Langley Katherine G. Langley
(1888–1948)
Republican Kentucky's 7th March 4, 1927
March 4, 1931
Retired
Succeeded her husband (though not immediately)
Daughter of James M. Gudger Jr.
Rep. Oldfield Pearl Oldfield
(1876–1962)
Democratic Arkansas's 2nd January 9, 1929
March 4, 1931
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. McCormick Ruth McCormick
(1880–1944)
Republican Illinois at-large March 4, 1929
March 4, 1931
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1930 United States Senate election in Illinois
Daughter of Mark Hanna
Rep. Owen Ruth Owen
(1885–1954)
Democratic Florida's 4th March 4, 1929
March 4, 1933
Lost renomination
Daughter of William Jennings Bryan
Later became United States Ambassador to Denmark
Rep. Pratt Ruth Pratt
(1877–1965)
Republican New York's 17th March 4, 1929
March 4, 1933
Lost reelection
Rep. Wingo Effiegene Wingo
(1883–1962)
Democratic Arkansas's 4th November 4, 1930
March 4, 1933
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Eslick Willa Eslick
(1878–1961)
Democratic Tennessee's 7th August 14, 1932
March 4, 1933
Not eligible for reelection having not qualified for nomination
Succeeded her husband

1933 to 1942

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Jenckes Virginia E. Jenckes
(1877–1975)
Democratic Indiana's 6th March 4, 1933
January 3, 1939
Lost reelection
Rep. McCarthy Kathryn O'Loughlin-McCarthy
(1894–1952)
Democratic Kansas's 6th March 4, 1933
January 3, 1935
Lost reelection
Rep. Greenway Isabella Greenway
(1886–1953)
Democratic Arizona at-large October 2, 1933
January 3, 1937
Retired
Rep. Clarke Marian W. Clarke
(1880–1953)
Republican New York's 34th December 28, 1933
January 3, 1935
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. O'Day Caroline O'Day
(1869–1943)
Democratic New York at-large January 3, 1935
January 3, 1943
Retired
Rep. Honeyman Nan Honeyman
(1881–1970)
Democratic Oregon's 3rd January 3, 1937
January 3, 1939
Lost reelection
Rep. Gasque Elizabeth Gasque
(1886–1989)
Democratic South Carolina's 6th September 13, 1938
January 3, 1939
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Sumner Jessie Sumner
(1898–1994)
Republican Illinois's 18th January 3, 1939
January 3, 1947
Retired
Rep. McMillan Clara G. McMillan
(1894–1976)
Democratic South Carolina's 1st November 7, 1939
January 3, 1941
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Bolton Frances P. Bolton
(1885–1977)
Republican Ohio's 22nd February 27, 1940
January 3, 1969
Lost reelection
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Smith Margaret Chase Smith
(1897–1995)
Republican Maine's 2nd June 3, 1940
January 3, 1949
Retired to run successfully for the 1948 United States Senate election in Maine
Succeeded her husband
Later first woman elected to the United States Senate in a general election without previously being appointed, elected in a special election, or succeeding a husband
Rep. Gibbs Florence Gibbs
(1890–1964)
Democratic Georgia's 8th October 1, 1940
January 3, 1941
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Byron Katharine Byron
(1903–1976)
Democratic Maryland's 6th May 27, 1941
January 3, 1943
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Boland Veronica Boland
(1899–1982)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 11th November 3, 1942
January 3, 1943
Retired
Succeeded her husband

1943 to 1952

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Luce Clare Boothe Luce
(1903–1987)
Republican Connecticut's 4th January 3, 1943
January 3, 1947
Retired
Later became United States Ambassador to Italy and United States Ambassador to Brazil
Rep. Stanley Winifred C. Stanley
(1909–1996)
Republican New York at-large January 3, 1943
January 3, 1945
Retired
Rep. Fulmer Willa L. Fulmer
(1884–1968)
Democratic South Carolina's 2nd November 7, 1944
January 3, 1945
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Douglas Emily Douglas
(1899–1994)
Democratic Illinois at-large January 3, 1945
January 3, 1947
Lost reelection
Rep. Douglas Helen Gahagan-Douglas
(1900–1980)
Democratic California's 14th January 3, 1945
January 3, 1951
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1950 United States Senate election in California
Rep. Woodhouse Chase G. Woodhouse
(1890–1984)
Democratic Connecticut's 2nd January 3, 1945
January 3, 1947
Lost reelection
January 3, 1949
January 3, 1951
Lost reelection
Rep. Mankin Helen Mankin
(1896–1956)
Democratic Georgia's 5th February 12, 1946
January 3, 1947
Lost renomination
Rep. Pratt Eliza Pratt
(1902–1981)
Democratic North Carolina's 8th May 25, 1946
January 3, 1947
Retired
Rep. Lusk Georgia Lusk
(1893–1971)
Democratic New Mexico at-large January 3, 1947
January 3, 1949
Lost renomination
Rep. St. George Katharine St. George
(1894–1983)
Republican New York's 29th January 3, 1947
January 3, 1953
Redistricted
New York's 28th January 3, 1953
January 3, 1963
Redistricted
New York's 27th January 3, 1963
January 3, 1965
Lost reelection
Rep. Bosone Reva Bosone
(1895–1983)
Democratic Utah's 2nd January 3, 1949
January 3, 1953
Lost reelection
Rep. Harden Cecil M. Harden
(1894–1984)
Republican Indiana's 6th January 3, 1949
January 3, 1959
Lost reelection
Rep. Kelly Edna F. Kelly
(1906–1997)
Democratic New York's 10th November 8, 1949
January 3, 1963
Redistricted
New York's 12th January 3, 1963
January 3, 1969
Lost renomination
Rep. Church Marguerite S. Church
(1892–1990)
Republican Illinois's 13th January 3, 1951
January 3, 1963
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Thompson Ruth Thompson
(1887–1970)
Republican Michigan's 9th January 3, 1951
January 3, 1957
Lost renomination
Rep. Kee Elizabeth Kee
(1895–1975)
Democratic West Virginia's 5th July 17, 1951
January 3, 1965
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Buchanan Vera Buchanan
(1902–1955)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 33rd July 24, 1951
January 3, 1953
Succeeded her husband
Redistricted
Pennsylvania's 30th January 3, 1953
November 26, 1955
Died in office

1953 to 1962

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Pfost Gracie Pfost
(1906–1965)
Democratic Idaho's 1st January 3, 1953
January 3, 1963
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1962 United States Senate election in Idaho
Rep. Sullivan Leonor Sullivan
(1902–1988)
Democratic Missouri's 3rd January 3, 1953
January 3, 1977
Retired
Del. Farrington Elizabeth P. Farrington
(1898–1984)
Republican Hawaii's at-large July 31, 1954
January 3, 1957
Lost reelection
Succeeded her husband
First woman territorial delegate
Rep. Blitch Iris Blitch
(1912–1993)
Democratic Georgia's 8th January 3, 1955
January 3, 1963
Retired
Rep. Green Edith Green
(1910–1987)
Democratic Oregon's 3rd January 3, 1955
December 31, 1974
Retired
Rep. Griffiths Martha Griffiths
(1912–2003)
Democratic Michigan's 17th January 3, 1955
December 31, 1974
Retired
Later became Lieutenant Governor of Michigan
Rep. Knutson Coya Knutson
(1912–1996)
Democratic Minnesota's 9th January 3, 1955
January 3, 1959
Lost reelection
Rep. Granahan Kathryn E. Granahan
(1894–1979)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 2nd November 6, 1956
January 3, 1963
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Later became Treasurer of the United States
Rep. Dwyer Florence P. Dwyer
(1902–1976)
Republican New Jersey's 6th January 3, 1957
January 3, 1967
Redistricted
New Jersey's 12th January 3, 1967
January 3, 1973
Retired
Rep. May Catherine May
(1914–2004)
Republican Washington's 4th January 3, 1959
January 3, 1971
Lost reelection
Rep. Simpson Edna O. Simpson
(1891–1984)
Republican Illinois's 20th January 3, 1959
January 3, 1961
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Weis Jessica M. Weis
(1901–1963)
Republican New York's 38th January 3, 1959
January 3, 1963
Retired
Rep. Hansen Julia Hansen
(1907–1988)
Democratic Washington's 3rd November 8, 1960
December 31, 1974
Retired
Rep. Norrell Catherine Norrell
(1901–1981)
Democratic Arkansas's 6th April 19, 1961
January 3, 1963
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Reece Louise Reece
(1898–1970)
Republican Tennessee's 1st May 16, 1961
January 3, 1963
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Daughter of Guy D. Goff
Rep. Riley Corinne Riley
(1893–1979)
Democratic South Carolina's 2nd April 10, 1962
January 3, 1963
Retired
Succeeded her husband

1963 to 1972

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Reid Charlotte Reid
(1913–2007)
Republican Illinois's 15th January 3, 1963
October 7, 1971
Resigned to become a member of the Federal Communications Commission
Succeeded her husband as nominee before election
Rep. Baker Irene Baker
(1901–1994)
Republican Tennessee's 2nd January 7, 1964
January 3, 1965
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Mink Patsy Mink
(1927–2002)
Democratic Hawaii's at-large January 3, 1965
January 3, 1971
Redistricted
Hawaii's 2nd January 3, 1971
January 3, 1977
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 1976 United States Senate election in Hawaii
First Japanese American woman elected
Later became Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
September 22, 1990
September 28, 2002
Died in office
Rep. Thomas Lera Thomas
(1900–1993)
Democratic Texas's 8th March 26, 1966
January 3, 1967
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Heckler Margaret Heckler
(1931–2018)
Republican Massachusetts's 10th January 3, 1967
January 3, 1983
Lost reelection
Later became United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and United States Ambassador to Ireland
Rep. Chisholm Shirley Chisholm
(1924–2005)
Democratic New York's 12th January 3, 1969
January 3, 1983
Retired
First African American woman elected
Rep. Abzug Bella Abzug
(1920–1998)
Democratic New York's 19th January 3, 1971
January 3, 1973
Redistricted
New York's 20th January 3, 1973
January 3, 1977
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 1976 United States Senate election in New York
Rep. Grasso Ella T. Grasso
(1919–1981)
Democratic Connecticut's 6th January 3, 1971
January 3, 1975
Retired to run successfully for Governor of Connecticut
Previously served as Connecticut Secretary of State
Rep. Hicks Louise Day Hicks
(1916–2003)
Democratic Massachusetts's 9th January 3, 1971
January 3, 1973
Lost reelection
Rep. Andrews Elizabeth B. Andrews
(1911–2002)
Democratic Alabama's 3rd April 4, 1972
January 3, 1973
Retired
Succeeded her husband

1973 to 1982

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Braithwaite-Burke Yvonne Burke
(born 1932)
Democratic California's 37th January 3, 1973
January 3, 1975
Redistricted
California's 28th January 3, 1975
January 3, 1979
Retired to run unsuccessfully for Attorney General of California
Rep. Holt Marjorie Holt
(1920–2018)
Republican Maryland's 4th January 3, 1973
January 3, 1987
Retired
Rep. Holtzman Elizabeth Holtzman
(born 1941)
Democratic New York's 16th January 3, 1973
January 3, 1981
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1980 United States Senate election in New York
Rep. Jordan Barbara Jordan
(1936–1996)
Democratic Texas's 18th January 3, 1973
January 3, 1979
Retired
Rep. Schroeder Pat Schroeder
(born 1940)
Democratic Colorado's 1st January 3, 1973
January 3, 1997
Retired
Rep. Boggs Lindy Boggs
(1916–2013)
Democratic Louisiana's 2nd March 20, 1973
January 3, 1991
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Later became United States Ambassador to the Holy See
Rep. Collins Cardiss Collins
(1931–2013)
Democratic Illinois's 7th June 5, 1973
January 3, 1997
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Fenwick Millicent Fenwick
(1910–1992)
Republican New Jersey's 5th January 3, 1975
January 3, 1983
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1982 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Daughter of Ogden H. Hammond
Later became United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture
Rep. Keys Martha Keys
(born 1930)
Democratic Kansas's 2nd January 3, 1975
January 3, 1979
Lost reelection
Rep. Lloyd Marilyn Lloyd
(1929–2018)
Democratic Tennessee's 3rd January 3, 1975
January 3, 1995
Retired
Succeeded her husband as nominee before election
Rep. Smith Virginia D. Smith
(1911–2006)
Republican Nebraska's 3rd January 3, 1975
January 3, 1991
Retired
Rep. Spellman Gladys Spellman
(1918–1988)
Democratic Maryland's 5th January 3, 1975
January 3, 1981
After suffering a debilitating heart attack and slipping into a comatose state, her seat was declared vacant by the House
Rep. Stevenson-Meyner Helen Stevenson-Meyner
(1929–1997)
Democratic New Jersey's 13th January 3, 1975
January 3, 1979
Lost reelection
Rep. Pettis Shirley Pettis
(1924–2016)
Republican California's 37th April 29, 1975
January 3, 1979
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Mikulski Barbara Mikulski
(born 1936)
Democratic Maryland's 3rd January 3, 1977
January 3, 1987
Retired to run successfully for the 1986 United States Senate election in Maryland
Rep. Oakar Mary Oakar
(born 1940)
Democratic Ohio's 20th January 3, 1977
January 3, 1993
Lost reelection
Rep. Byron Beverly Byron
(born 1932)
Democratic Maryland's 6th January 3, 1979
January 3, 1993
Lost renomination
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Ferraro Geraldine Ferraro
(1935–2011)
Democratic New York's 9th January 3, 1979
January 3, 1985
Retired to run unsuccessfully as the Democrat nominee for Vice President of the United States during the 1984 United States presidential election
Later became United States Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights
Rep. Snowe Olympia Snowe
(born 1947)
Republican Maine's 2nd January 3, 1979
January 3, 1995
Retired to run successfully for the 1994 United States Senate election in Maine
Rep. Fiedler Bobbi Fiedler
(born 1937)
Republican California's 21st January 3, 1981
January 3, 1987
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 1986 United States Senate election in California
Rep. Morely-Martin Lynn Morley-Martin
(born 1939)
Republican Illinois's 16th January 3, 1981
January 3, 1991
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1990 United States Senate election in Illinois
Later became United States Secretary of Labor
Rep. Roukema Marge Roukema
(1929–2014)
Republican New Jersey's 7th January 3, 1981
January 3, 1983
Redistricted
New Jersey's 5th January 3, 1983
January 3, 2003
Retired
Rep. Schneider Claudine Schneider
(born 1947)
Republican Rhode Island's 2nd January 3, 1981
January 3, 1991
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1990 United States Senate election in Rhode Island
Rep. Kennelly Barbara B. Kennelly
(born 1936)
Democratic Connecticut's 1st January 12, 1982
January 3, 1999
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Connecticut gubernatorial election, 1998
Previously served as Connecticut Secretary of State
Rep. Spencer-Ashbrook Jean Spencer-Ashbrook
(born 1934)
Republican Ohio's 17th June 29, 1982
January 3, 1983
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Hall Katie Hall
(1938–2012)
Democratic Indiana's 1st November 2, 1982
January 3, 1985
Lost renomination

1983 to 1992

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Boxer Barbara Boxer
(born 1940)
Democratic California's 6th January 3, 1983
January 3, 1993
Retired to run successfully for the 1992 United States Senate election in California
Rep. Johnson Nancy Johnson
(born 1935)
Republican Connecticut's 6th January 3, 1983
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
Connecticut's 5th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2007
Lost reelection
Rep. Kaptur Marcy Kaptur
(born 1946)
Democratic Ohio's 9th January 3, 1983
present
Rep. Vucanovich Barbara Vucanovich
(1921–2013)
Republican Nevada's 2nd January 3, 1983
January 3, 1997
Retired
First Hispanic woman elected
Rep. Burton Sala Burton
(1925–1987)
Democratic California's 5th June 21, 1983
February 1, 1987
Died in office
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Delich-Bentley Helen Delich-Bentley
(1923–2016)
Republican Maryland's 2nd January 3, 1985
January 3, 1995
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the Maryland gubernatorial election, 1994
Rep. Meyers Jan Meyers
(born 1928)
Republican Kansas's 3rd January 3, 1985
January 3, 1997
Retired
Rep. Small-Long Catherine Small-Long
(born 1924)
Democratic Louisiana's 8th March 30, 1985
January 3, 1987
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Morella Connie Morella
(born 1931)
Republican Maryland's 8th January 3, 1987
January 3, 2003
Lost reelection
Later became United States Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Rep. Patterson Liz J. Patterson
(1939–2018)
Democratic South Carolina's 4th January 3, 1987
January 3, 1993
Lost reelection
Daughter of Olin D. Johnston
Rep. Saiki Pat Saiki
(born 1930)
Republican Hawaii's 1st January 3, 1987
January 3, 1991
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the United States Senate special election in Hawaii, 1990
Later became Administrator of the Small Business Administration
Rep. Slaughter Louise Slaughter
(1929–2018)
Democratic New York's 30th January 3, 1987
January 3, 1993
Redistricted
New York's 28th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
New York's 25th January 3, 2013
March 16, 2018
Died in office
Rep. Pelosi Nancy Pelosi
(born 1940)
Democratic California's 5th June 2, 1987
January 3, 1993
Redistricted
California's 8th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
First woman party leader
First woman Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Redistricted
California's 12th January 3, 2013
present
Elected Speaker Again
Rep. Lowey Nita Lowey
(born 1937)
Democratic New York's 20th January 3, 1989
January 3, 1993
Redistricted
New York's 18th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
New York's 17th January 3, 2013
present
First female Chair of the House Appropriations Committee
Rep. Unsoeld Jolene Unsoeld
(born 1931)
Democratic Washington's 3rd January 3, 1989
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. Long-Thompson Jill Long-Thompson
(born 1952)
Democratic Indiana's 4th March 20, 1989
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. Ros-Lehtinen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(born 1952)
Republican Florida's 18th August 29, 1989
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
Florida's 27th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2019
Retired
Rep. Molinari Susan Molinari
(born 1958)
Republican New York's 14th March 20, 1990
January 3, 1993
Redistricted
New York's 13th January 3, 1993
August 2, 1997
Resigned to become co-host of CBS This Morning
Daughter of Guy Molinari
Rep. Collins Barbara-Rose Collins
(born 1939)
Democratic Michigan's 13th January 3, 1991
January 3, 1993
Redistricted
Michigan's 15th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1997
Lost renomination
Rep. DeLauro Rosa DeLauro
(born 1943)
Democratic Connecticut's 3rd January 3, 1991
present
Del. Holmes-Norton Eleanor Holmes-Norton
(born 1937)
Democratic DC at-large January 3, 1991
present
Rep. Horn Joan Horn
(born 1936)
Democratic Missouri's 2nd January 3, 1991
January 3, 1993
Lost reelection
Rep. Waters Maxine Waters
(born 1938)
Democratic California's 29th January 3, 1991
January 3, 1993
Redistricted
California's 35th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 43rd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Clayton Eva M. Clayton
(born 1934)
Democratic North Carolina's 1st November 3, 1992
January 3, 2003
Retired

1993 to 2002

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Brown Corrine Brown
(born 1946)
Democratic Florida's 3rd January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
Florida's 5th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2017
Lost renomination
Rep. Byrne Leslie L. Byrne
(born 1946)
Democratic Virginia's 11th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. Cantwell Maria Cantwell
(born 1958)
Democratic Washington's 1st January 3, 1993
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Later ran successfully for the 2000 United States Senate election in Washington
Rep. Danner Pat Danner
(born 1934)
Democratic Missouri's 6th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2001
Retired
Rep. Dunn Jennifer Dunn
(1941–2007)
Republican Washington's 8th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2005
Retired
Rep. English Karan English
(born 1949)
Democratic Arizona's 6th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. Eshoo Anna Eshoo
(born 1942)
Democratic California's 14th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 18th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Fowler Tillie K. Fowler
(1942–2005)
Republican Florida's 4th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2001
Retired
Rep. Furse Elizabeth Furse
(born 1936)
Democratic Oregon's 1st January 3, 1993
January 3, 1999
Retired
Rep. Harman Jane Harman
(born 1945)
Democratic California's 36th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1999
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the California gubernatorial election, 1998
January 3, 2001
February 28, 2011
Resigned to become the Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Rep. Johnson Eddie Johnson
(born 1936)
Democratic Texas's 30th January 3, 1993
present
Rep. Lincoln Blanche Lincoln
(born 1960)
Democratic Arkansas's 1st January 3, 1993
January 3, 1997
Retired
Later ran successfully for the 1998 United States Senate election in Arkansas
Rep. Maloney Carolyn Maloney
(born 1946)
Democratic New York's 14th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
New York's 12th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Margolies-Mezvinsky Marjorie Margolies
(born 1942)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 13th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. McKinney Cynthia McKinney
(born 1955)
Democratic Georgia's 11th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1997
Redistricted
Georgia's 4th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2003
Lost renomination
January 3, 2005
January 3, 2007
Lost renomination
Ran for President of the United States as the nominee of the Green Party for the 2008 United States presidential election
Rep. Meek Carrie P. Meek
(born 1926)
Democratic Florida's 17th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2003
Retired
Rep. Pryce Deborah Pryce
(born 1951)
Republican Ohio's 15th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2009
Retired
Rep. Roybal-Allard Lucille Roybal-Allard
(born 1941)
Democratic California's 33rd January 3, 1993
January 3, 2003
Retired
Daughter of Edward R. Roybal
California's 34th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 40th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Schenk Lynn Schenk
(born 1945)
Democratic California's 49th January 3, 1993
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. Shepherd Karen Shepherd
(born 1940)
Democratic Utah's 2nd January 3, 1993
January 3, 1995
Lost reelection
Rep. Thurman Karen Thurman
(born 1951)
Democratic Florida's 5th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2003
Lost reelection
Rep. Velázquez Nydia Velázquez
(born 1953)
Democratic New York's 12th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
New York's 7th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Woolsey Lynn Woolsey
(born 1937)
Democratic California's 6th January 3, 1993
January 3, 2013
Retired
Rep. Chenoweth-Hage Helen Chenoweth-Hage
(1938–2006)
Republican Idaho's 1st January 3, 1995
January 3, 2001
Retired
Rep. Cubin Barbara Cubin
(born 1946)
Republican Wyoming's at-large January 3, 1995
January 3, 2009
Retired
Enid Greene
(born 1958)
Republican Utah's 2nd January 3, 1995
January 3, 1997
Retired
Rep. Jackson-Lee Sheila Jackson-Lee
(born 1950)
Democratic Texas's 18th January 3, 1995
present
Rep. Kelly Sue Kelly
(born 1936)
Republican New York's 19th January 3, 1995
January 3, 2007
Lost reelection
Rep. Lofgren Zoe Lofgren
(born 1947)
Democratic California's 16th January 3, 1995
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 19th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. McCarthy Karen McCarthy
(1947–2010)
Democratic Missouri's 5th January 3, 1995
January 3, 2005
Retired
Rep. Myrick Sue Myrick
(born 1941)
Republican North Carolina's 9th January 3, 1995
January 3, 2013
Retired
Rep. Rivers Lynn N. Rivers
(born 1956)
Democratic Michigan's 13th January 3, 1995
January 3, 2003
Lost renomination
Rep. Sestrand Andrea Seastrand
(born 1941)
Republican California's 22nd January 3, 1995
January 3, 1997
Lost reelection
Rep. Smith Linda Smith
(born 1950)
Republican Washington's 3rd January 3, 1995
January 3, 1999
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1998 United States Senate election in Washington
Rep. Millender-McDonald Juanita Millender-McDonald
(1938–2007)
Democratic California's 37th March 26, 1996
April 22, 2007
Died in office
Rep. Emerson Jo Ann Emerson
(born 1950)
Republican Missouri's 8th November 5, 1996
January 3, 1997
Succeeded her husband
Independent January 3, 1997
January 8, 1997
First woman elected as an Independent or third-party
Changed parties
Republican January 8, 1997
January 22, 2013
Resigned to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Rep. Carson Julia Carson
(1938–2007)
Democratic Indiana's 10th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
Indiana's 7th January 3, 2003
December 15, 2007
Died in office
Rep. Cheeks-Kilpatrick Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick
(born 1945)
Democratic Michigan's 15th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
Michigan's 13th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2011
Lost renomination
Del. Christian-Christensen Donna Christian-Christensen
(born 1945)
Democratic U.S. Virgin Island's at-large January 3, 1997
January 3, 2015
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2014 United States Virgin Islands gubernatorial election
Rep. DeGette Diana DeGette
(born 1957)
Democratic Colorado's 1st January 3, 1997
present
Rep. Granger Kay Granger
(born 1943)
Republican Texas's 12th January 3, 1997
present
Rep. Hooley Darlene Hooley
(born 1939)
Democratic Oregon's 5th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2009
Retired
Rep. McCarthy Carolyn McCarthy
(born 1944)
Democratic New York's 4th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2015
Retired
Rep. Northup Anne Northup
(born 1948)
Republican Kentucky's 3rd January 3, 1997
January 3, 2007
Lost reelection
Rep. Sanchez Loretta Sánchez
(born 1960)
Democratic California's 46th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 47th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 46th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2017
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2016 United States Senate election in California
Rep. Stabenow Debbie Stabenow
(born 1950)
Democratic Michigan's 8th January 3, 1997
January 3, 2001
Retired to run successfully for the 2000 United States Senate election in Michigan
Rep. Tauscher Ellen Tauscher
(born 1951)
Democratic California's 10th January 3, 1997
June 26, 2009
Resigned to become Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs
Rep. Capps Lois Capps
(born 1938)
Democratic California's 22nd March 10, 1998
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 23rd January 3, 2003
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 24th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2017
Retired
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Bono Mack Mary Bono
(born 1961)
Republican California's 44th April 7, 1998
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 45th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Succeeded her husband
Rep. Lee Barbara Lee
(born 1946)
Democratic California's 9th April 7, 1998
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 13th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Wilson Heather Wilson
(born 1960)
Republican New Mexico's 1st June 25, 1998
January 3, 2009
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 2008 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Later became Secretary of the Air Force
Rep. Baldwin Tammy Baldwin
(born 1962)
Democratic Wisconsin's 2nd January 3, 1999
January 3, 2013
Retired to run successfully for the 2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Rep. Berkley Shelley Berkley
(born 1951)
Democratic Nevada's 1st January 3, 1999
January 3, 2013
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2012 United States Senate election in Nevada
Rep. Biggert Judy Biggert
(born 1937)
Republican Illinois's 13th January 3, 1999
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Rep. Napolitano Grace Napolitano
(born 1936)
Democratic California's 34th January 3, 1999
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 38th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 32nd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Schakowsky Jan Schakowsky
(born 1944)
Democratic Illinois's 9th January 3, 1999
present
Rep. Tubbs Jones Stephanie Tubbs Jones
(1949–2008)
Democratic Ohio's 11th January 3, 1999
August 20, 2008
Died in office
Rep. Davis Jo Ann Davis
(1950–2007)
Republican Virginia's 1st January 3, 2001
October 6, 2007
Died in office
Rep. Davis Susan Davis
(born 1944)
Democratic California's 49th January 3, 2001
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 53rd January 3, 2003
present
Rep. Hart Melissa Hart
(born 1962)
Republican Pennsylvania's 4th January 3, 2001
January 3, 2007
Lost reelection
Rep. McCollum Betty McCollum
(born 1954)
Democratic Minnesota's 4th January 3, 2001
present
Rep. Moore-Capito Shelley Moore-Capito
(born 1953)
Republican West Virginia's 2nd January 3, 2001
January 3, 2015
Retired to run successfully for the 2014 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Rep. Solis Hilda Solis
(born 1957)
Democratic California's 31st January 3, 2001
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 32nd January 3, 2003
February 24, 2009
Resigned to become United States Secretary of Labor
Rep. Watson Diane Watson
(born 1933)
Democratic California's 32nd June 5, 2001
January 3, 2003
Redistricted
California's 33rd January 3, 2003
January 3, 2011
Retired
Previously served as United States Ambassador to Micronesia

2003 to 2012

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Blackburn Marsha Blackburn
(born 1952)
Republican Tennessee's 7th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2019
Retired to run successfully for the 2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Del. Bordallo Madeleine Bordallo
(born 1933)
Democratic Guam's at-large January 3, 2003
January 3, 2019
Lost renomination
Previously served as Lieutenant Governor of Guam
Rep. Brown-Waite Ginny Brown-Waite
(born 1943)
Republican Florida's 5th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2011
Retired
Rep. Harris Katherine Harris
(born 1957)
Republican Florida's 13th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2007
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2006 United States Senate election in Florida
Previously served as Florida Secretary of State
Rep. Majette Denise Majette
(born 1955)
Democratic Georgia's 4th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2005
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2004 United States Senate election in Georgia
Rep. Miller Candice Miller
(born 1954)
Republican Michigan's 10th January 3, 2003
January 1, 2017
Retired to run successfully for Public Works Commissioner of Macomb County
Previously served as Michigan Secretary of State
Rep. Musgrave Marilyn Musgrave
(born 1949)
Republican Colorado's 4th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2009
Lost reelection
Rep. Sánchez Linda Sánchez
(born 1969)
Democratic California's 39th January 3, 2003
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 38th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Herseth Sandlin Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin
(born 1970)
Democratic South Dakota's at-large June 1, 2004
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Bean Melissa Bean
(born 1962)
Democratic Illinois's 8th January 3, 2005
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Drake Thelma Drake
(born 1949)
Republican Virginia's 2nd January 3, 2005
January 3, 2009
Lost reelection
Rep. Foxx Virginia Foxx
(born 1944)
Republican North Carolina's 5th January 3, 2005
present
Rep. McMorris Rodgers Cathy McMorris-Rodgers
(born 1969)
Republican Washington's 5th January 3, 2005
present
Rep. Moore Gwen Moore
(born 1951)
Democratic Wisconsin's 4th January 3, 2005
present
Rep. Schwartz Allyson Schwartz
(born 1948)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 13th January 3, 2005
January 3, 2015
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 2014 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Rep. Wasserman-Schultz Debbie Wasserman-Schultz
(born 1966)
Democratic Florida's 20th January 3, 2005
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
Florida's 23rd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Matsui Doris Matsui
(born 1944)
Democratic California's 5th March 3, 2005
January 3, 2013
Succeeded her husband
Redistricted
California's 6th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Schmidt Jean Schmidt
(born 1951)
Republican Ohio's 2nd September 6, 2005
January 3, 2013
Lost renomination
Rep. Sekula-Gibbs Shelley Sekula-Gibbs
(born 1953)
Republican Texas's 22nd November 13, 2006
January 3, 2007
Lost election to full term
Rep. Bachmann Michele Bachmann
(born 1956)
Republican Minnesota's 6th January 3, 2007
January 3, 2015
Retired
Rep. Boyda Nancy Boyda
(born 1955)
Democratic Kansas's 2nd January 3, 2007
January 3, 2009
Lost reelection
Rep. Castor Kathy Castor
(born 1966)
Democratic Florida's 11th January 3, 2007
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
Florida's 14th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Clarke Yvette Clarke
(born 1964)
Democratic New York's 11th January 3, 2007
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
New York's 9th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Fallin Mary Fallin
(born 1954)
Republican Oklahoma's 5th January 3, 2007
January 3, 2011
Retired to run successfully for the 2010 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Previously served as Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
Rep. Giffords Gabrielle Giffords
(born 1970)
Democratic Arizona's 8th January 3, 2007
January 25, 2012
Resigned due to the injuries of being shot in the head at close range during an assassination attempt during the 2011 Tucson shooting
Rep. Gillibrand Kirsten Gillibrand
(born 1966)
Democratic New York's 20th January 3, 2007
January 25, 2009
Resigned to accept appointment to the United States Senate
Later ran successfully for the 2010 United States Senate special election in New York
Rep. Hirono Mazie Hirono
(born 1947)
Democratic Hawaii's 2nd January 3, 2007
January 3, 2013
Retired to run successfully for the 2012 United States Senate election in Hawaii
Rep. Richardson Laura Richardson
(born 1962)
Democratic California's 37th January 3, 2007
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Rep. Shea-Porter Carol Shea-Porter
(born 1952)
Democratic New Hampshire's 1st January 3, 2007
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
January 3, 2013
January 3, 2015
Lost reelection
January 3, 2017
January 3, 2019
Retired
Rep. Sutton Betty Sutton
(born 1963)
Democratic Ohio's 13th January 3, 2007
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Rep. Tsongas Niki Tsongas
(born 1946)
Democratic Massachusetts's 5th October 16, 2007
January 3, 2013
Succeeded her husband (though not immediately)
Redistricted
Massachusetts's 3rd January 3, 2013
January 3, 2019
Retired
Rep. Speier Jackie Speier
(born 1950)
Democratic California's 12th April 8, 2008
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 14th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Edwards Donna Edwards
(born 1958)
Democratic Maryland's 4th June 17, 2008
January 3, 2017
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 2016 United States Senate election in Maryland
Rep. Fudge Marcia Fudge
(born 1952)
Democratic Ohio's 11th November 18, 2008
present
Rep. Dahlkemper Kathy Dahlkemper
(born 1957)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 3rd January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Halvorson Debbie Halvorson
(born 1958)
Democratic Illinois's 11th January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Jenkins Lynn Jenkins
(born 1963)
Republican Kansas's 2nd January 3, 2009
January 3, 2019
Retired
Previously served as Kansas Treasurer
Rep. Kilroy Mary Jo Kilroy
(born 1949)
Democratic Ohio's 15th January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Kirkpatrick Ann Kirkpatrick
(born 1950)
Democratic Arizona's 1st January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
January 3, 2013
January 3, 2017
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2016 United States Senate election in Arizona
Arizona's 2nd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Kosmas Suzanne Kosmas
(born 1944)
Democratic Florida's 24th January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Lummis Cynthia Lummis
(born 1954)
Republican Wyoming's at-large January 3, 2009
January 3, 2017
Retired
Previously served as Wyoming Treasurer
Rep. Markey Betsy Markey
(born 1956)
Democratic Colorado's 4th January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Rep. Pingree Chellie Pingree
(born 1955)
Democratic Maine's 1st January 3, 2009
present
Rep. Titus Dina Titus
(born 1950)
Democratic Nevada's 3rd January 3, 2009
January 3, 2011
Lost reelection
Nevada's 1st January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Chu Judy Chu
(born 1953)
Democratic California's 32nd June 19, 2009
January 3, 2013
First Chinese American woman elected
Redistricted
California's 27th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Adams Sandy Adams
(born 1956)
Republican Florida's 24th January 3, 2011
January 3, 2013
Lost renomination
Rep. Bass Karen Bass
(born 1953)
Democratic California's 33rd January 3, 2011
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 37th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Black Diane Black
(born 1951)
Republican Tennessee's 6th January 3, 2011
January 3, 2019
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 2018 Tennessee gubernatorial election
Rep. Buerkle Ann Marie Buerkle
(born 1951)
Republican New York's 25th January 3, 2011
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Rep. Ellmers Renee Ellmers
(born 1964)
Republican North Carolina's 2nd January 3, 2011
January 3, 2017
Lost renomination
Rep. Hanabusa Colleen Hanabusa
(born 1951)
Democratic Hawaii's 1st January 3, 2011
January 3, 2015
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 2014 United States Senate special election in Hawaii
November 14, 2016
January 3, 2019
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 2018 Hawaii gubernatorial election
Rep. Hartzler Vicky Hartzler
(born 1960)
Republican Missouri's 4th January 3, 2011
present
Rep. Hayworth Nan Hayworth
(born 1959)
Republican New York's 19th January 3, 2011
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Rep. Herrera Beutler Jaime Herrera-Beutler
(born 1978)
Republican Washington's 3rd January 3, 2011
present
Rep. Noem Kristi Noem
(born 1971)
Republican South Dakota's at-large January 3, 2011
January 3, 2019
Retired to run successfully for the 2018 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Rep. Roby Martha Roby
(born 1976)
Republican Alabama's 2nd January 3, 2011
present
Rep. Sewell Terri Sewell
(born 1965)
Democratic Alabama's 7th January 3, 2011
present
Rep. Wilson Frederica Wilson
(born 1942)
Democratic Florida's 17th January 3, 2011
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
Florida's 24th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Hochul Kathy Hochul
(born 1958)
Democratic New York's 26th June 1, 2011
January 3, 2013
Lost reelection
Later became Lieutenant Governor of New York
Rep. Hahn Janice Hahn
(born 1952)
Democratic California's 36th July 12, 2011
January 3, 2013
Redistricted
California's 44th January 3, 2013
December 4, 2016
Retired to run successfully for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Rep. Bonamici Suzanne Bonamici
(born 1954)
Democratic Oregon's 1st January 21, 2012
present
Rep. DelBene Suzan DelBene
(born 1962)
Democratic Washington's 1st November 6, 2012
present

2013 to present

Image Name
(lifespan)
Party District Years Notes
Rep. Beatty Joyce Beatty
(born 1950)
Democratic Ohio's 3rd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Brooks Susan Brooks
(born 1960)
Republican Indiana's 5th January 3, 2013
present
Previously served as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
Rep. Brownley Julia Brownley
(born 1952)
Democratic California's 26th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Bustos Cheri Bustos
(born 1961)
Democratic Illinois's 17th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Duckworth Tammy Duckworth
(born 1968)
Democratic Illinois's 8th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2017
Retired to run successfully for the 2016 United States Senate election in Illinois
Previously served as Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Rep. Esty Elizabeth Esty
(born 1959)
Democratic Connecticut's 5th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2019
Retired
Rep. Frankel Lois Frankel
(born 1948)
Democratic Florida's 22nd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Gabbard Tulsi Gabbard
(born 1981)
Democratic Hawaii's 2nd January 3, 2013
present
First Hindu elected to Congress
Rep. Lujan Grisham Michelle Lujan-Grisham
(born 1959)
Democratic New Mexico's 1st January 3, 2013
December 31, 2018
Resigned to run successfully for Governor of New Mexico
Rep. Kuster Ann McLane-Kuster
(born 1956)
Democratic New Hampshire's 2nd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Meng Grace Meng
(born 1975)
Democratic New York's 6th January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Negrete McLeod Gloria Negrete-McLeod
(born 1941)
Democratic California's 35th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2015
Retired to run unsuccessfully for San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors
Rep. Sinema Kyrsten Sinema
(born 1976)
Democratic Arizona's 9th January 3, 2013
January 3, 2019
Retired to run successfully for the 2018 United States Senate election in Arizona
First openly bisexual woman elected
Rep. Wagner Ann Wagner
(born 1962)
Republican Missouri's 2nd January 3, 2013
present
Previously served as United States Ambassador to Luxembourg
Rep. Walorski Jackie Walorski
(born 1963)
Republican Indiana's 2nd January 3, 2013
present
Rep. Kelly Robin Kelly
(born 1956)
Democratic Illinois's 2nd April 11, 2013
present
Rep. Clark Katherine Clark
(born 1963)
Democratic Massachusetts's 5th December 10, 2013
present
Rep. Adams Alma Adams
(born 1946)
Democratic North Carolina's 12th November 12, 2014
present
Rep. Comstock Barbara Comstock
(born 1959)
Republican Virginia's 10th January 3, 2015
January 3, 2019
Lost reelection
Rep. Dingell Debbie Dingell
(born 1953)
Democratic Michigan's 12th January 3, 2015
present
Succeeded her husband
First woman to succeed her husband while he is still alive
Rep. Graham Gwen Graham
(born 1963)
Democratic Florida's 2nd January 3, 2015
January 3, 2017
Retired
Daughter of Bob Graham
Rep. Lawrence Brenda Lawrence
(born 1954)
Democratic Michigan's 14th January 3, 2015
present
Rep. Love Mia Love
(born 1975)
Republican Utah's 4th January 3, 2015
January 3, 2019
Lost reelection
First African-American Republican woman elected to Congress
Rep. McSally Martha McSally
(born 1966)
Republican Arizona's 2nd January 3, 2015
January 3, 2019
Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2018 United States Senate election in Arizona
Later appointed to the United States Senate
Del. Plaskett Stacey Plaskett
(born 1966)
Democratic U.S. Virgin Island's at-large January 3, 2015
present
Del. Radewagen Amata Radewagen
(born 1947)
Republican American Samoa's at-large January 3, 2015
present
Daughter of Peter Tali Coleman
Rep. Rice Kathleen Rice
(born 1965)
Democratic New York's 4th January 3, 2015
present
Rep. Stefanik Elise Stefanik
(born 1984)
Republican New York's 21st January 3, 2015
present
Rep. Torres Norma Torres
(born 1965)
Democratic California's 35th January 3, 2015
present
Rep. Walters Mimi Walters
(born 1962)
Republican California's 45th January 3, 2015
January 3, 2019
Lost reelection
Rep. Watson-Coleman Bonnie Watson-Coleman
(born 1945)
Democratic New Jersey's 12th January 3, 2015
present
Rep. Barragán Nanette Barragán
(born 1976)
Democratic California's 44th January 3, 2017
present
Rep. Rochester Lisa Blunt-Rochester
(born 1962)
Democratic Delaware at-large January 3, 2017
present
Rep. Cheney Liz Cheney
(born 1966)
Republican Wyoming's at-large January 3, 2017
present
Daughter of Dick Cheney
Rep. Demings Val Demings
(born 1957)
Democratic Florida's 10th January 3, 2017
present
Del. González Jenniffer González
(born 1976)
Republican Puerto Rico's at-large January 3, 2017
present
Rep. Jayapal Pramila Jayapal
(born 1965)
Democratic Washington's 7th January 3, 2017
present
First Indian American woman elected
Rep. Murphy Stephanie Murphy
(born 1978)
Democratic Florida's 7th January 3, 2017
present
First Vietnamese American woman elected
Rep. Rosen Jacky Rosen
(born 1957)
Democratic Nevada's 3rd January 3, 2017
January 3, 2019
Retiree to run successfully for the 2018 United States Senate election in Nevada
Rep. Tenney Claudia Tenney
(born 1961)
Republican New York's 22nd January 3, 2017
January 3, 2019
Lost reelection
Rep. Handel Karen Handel
(born 1962)
Republican Georgia's 6th June 26, 2017
January 3, 2019
Lost reelection
Previously served as Georgia Secretary of State
Rep. Lesko Debbie Lesko
(born 1958)
Republican Arizona's 8th May 7, 2018
present
Rep. Scanlon Mary Gay Scanlon
(born 1959)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 7th November 13, 2018
January 3, 2019
Redistricted
Pennsylvania's 5th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Wild Susan Wild
(born 1957)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 15th November 27, 2018
January 3, 2019
Redistricted
Pennsylvania's 7th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Jones Brenda Jones
(born 1959)
Democratic Michigan's 13th November 29, 2018–
January 3, 2019
Term expired
Rep. Axne Cindy Axne
(born 1965)
Democratic Iowa's 3rd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Craig Angie Craig
(born 1972)
Democratic Minnesota's 2nd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Davids Sharice Davids
(born 1980)
Democratic Kansas's 3rd January 3, 2019
present
One of the first two Native American women (alongside Deb Haaland) elected to Congress
Rep. Dean Madeleine Dean
(born 1959)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 4th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Escobar Veronica Escobar
(born 1969)
Democratic Texas's 16th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Finkenauer Abby Finkenauer
(born 1988)
Democratic Iowa's 1st January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Fletcher Lizzie Fletcher
(born 1975)
Democratic Texas's 7th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Garcia Sylvia Garcia
(born 1950)
Democratic Texas's 29th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Haaland Deb Haaland
(born 1960)
Democratic New Mexico's 1st January 3, 2019
present
One of the first two Native American women (alongside Sharice Davids) elected to Congress
Rep. Hayes Jahana Hayes
(born 1973)
Democratic Connecticut's 5th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Hill Katie Hill
(born 1987)
Democratic California's 25th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Horn Kendra Horn
(born 1976)
Democratic Oklahoma's 5th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Houlahan Chrissy Houlahan
(born 1968)
Democratic Pennsylvania's 6th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Lee Susie Lee
(born 1966)
Democratic Nevada's 3rd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Luria Elaine Luria
(born 1975)
Democratic Virginia's 2nd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. McBath Lucy McBath
(born 1960)
Democratic Georgia's 6th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Miller Carol Miller
(born 1950)
Republican West Virginia's 3rd January 3, 2019
present
Daughter of Samuel L. Devine
Rep. Mucarsel-Powell Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
(born 1971)
Democratic Florida's 26th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
(born 1989)
Democratic New York's 14th January 3, 2019
present
Youngest woman elected to Congress (at age 29)
Rep. Omar Ilhan Omar
(born 1981)
Democratic Minnesota's 5th January 3, 2019
present
One of the first two Muslim women (alongside Rashida Tlaib) and first Somali-American elected to Congress
Rep. Porter Katie Porter
(born 1974)
Democratic California's 45th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Presley Ayanna Pressley
(born 1974)
Democratic Massachusetts's 7th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Schrier Kim Schrier
(born 1968)
Democratic Washington's 8th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Shalala Donna Shalala
(born 1941)
Democratic Florida's 27th January 3, 2019
present
Previously served as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
Rep. Sherrill Mikie Sherrill
(born 1972)
Democratic New Jersey's 11th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Slotkin Elissa Slotkin
(born 1976)
Democratic Michigan's 8th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Spanberger Abigail Spanberger
(born 1979)
Democratic Virginia's 7th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Stevens Haley Stevens
(born 1983)
Democratic Michigan's 11th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Tlaib Rashida Tlaib
(born 1976)
Democratic Michigan's 13th January 3, 2019
present
One of the first two Muslim women (alongside Ilhan Omar) and the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress
Rep. Torres Small Xochitl Torres Small
(born 1984)
Democratic New Mexico's 2nd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Trahan Lori Trahan
(born 1973)
Democratic Massachusetts's 3rd January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Underwood Lauren Underwood
(born 1986)
Democratic Illinois's 14th January 3, 2019
present
Rep. Wexton Jennifer Wexton
(born 1968)
Democratic Virginia's 10th January 3, 2019
present

Pregnancies

There have been ten female members of the House of Representatives who were pregnant and gave birth at least once during their tenure (one member three times).[27]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://cawp.rutgers.edu/women-us-house-representatives-2019
  2. ^ "RANKIN, Jeannette - US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov.
  3. ^ "Florence Prag Kahn". www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org.
  4. ^ Mariotti, Renato (November 26, 2013). "Rep. Vera Buchanan dies in office, Nov. 26, 1955". Politico. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  5. ^ "August House Publishers - Atlanta - Children's Book Publisher". August House Publishers - Atlanta - Children's Book Publisher.
  6. ^ "New Patterns - US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives".
  7. ^ "Update: First woman to wear pants on House floor, Rep. Charlotte Reid". Washington Post.
  8. ^ "CHISHOLM, Shirley Anita - US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov.
  9. ^ "Women in Government: A Slim Past, But a Strong Future". Ebony: 89–92, 96–98. August 1977.
  10. ^ "BURKE, Yvonne Brathwaite | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives". history.house.gov. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
  11. ^ Michelle Cottle, ed. (April 19, 2018). "Congress Can't Give Up Tradition". The Atlantic. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  12. ^ "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen".
  13. ^ Press, The Associated. "Tommy vs. Tammy rages on: Senate race down to the wire".
  14. ^ "Tammy Baldwin". Biography.
  15. ^ "Tammy Baldwin - Candidate for U.S. President, Republican Nomination - Election 2012". WSJ.com.
  16. ^ Jon M. Shepard (January 1, 2012). Cengage Advantage Books: Sociology. Cengage Learning. pp. 293–. ISBN 978-1-133-71002-8.
  17. ^ Blumberg, Antonia (March 7, 2018). "Nancy Pelosi Donates Historic Speaker's Gavel To The Smithsonian For Women's History Month". Huffington Post – via Huff Post.
  18. ^ "Women in U.S. House get new restroom near chamber". USA Today. July 21, 2011.
  19. ^ "Hindu-American Tulsi Gabbard wins Democratic primary in Hawaii". The Economic Times. August 12, 2012.
  20. ^ Stephen Prothero (January 3, 2013). "Column: A Hindu moment for Congress". Usatoday.com. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  21. ^ Edmondson, Catie; Lee, Jasmine C. (November 28, 2018). "Meet the New Freshmen in Congress". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  22. ^ The 2018 Midterms, In 4 Charts. FiveThirtyEight. By Rachael Dottle, Ella Koeze and Julia Wolfe. Nov. 13, 2018.
  23. ^ Women candidates for Congress 1974 - 2018. Center for American Women and Politics. There are separate columns for House and Senate numbers by election. Party and seat summary for major party nominees.
  24. ^ "Women in the United States Congress: 1917-2011" (PDF).
  25. ^ "The U.S. Made Zero Progress in Adding Women to Congress".
  26. ^ Parker, Ashley (April 12, 2018). "First Day of 113th Congress Brings More Women to Capitol" – via NYTimes.com.
  27. ^ Akers, Mary Ann (November 20, 2008). "Rep. Linda Sanchez Expecting a Baby". Washington Post.
  28. ^ Foster, David (November 19, 1995). "Ambitious Couple Thrived on Passion for Politics, Each Other : Congress: Enid Greene and Joe Waldholtz seemed born for each other. But his lies over money sabotaged fairy tale, perhaps her career". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press.
  29. ^ "Susan Molinari". womenincongress.house.gov.
  30. ^ Geranios, Nicholas K. (April 21, 2007). "Baby in the House: Pregnant congresswoman due to give birth next month". San Diego Union Tribune. Associated Press.
  31. ^ "It's A Boy". Spokesman Review. April 30, 2007.
  32. ^ "Son Born to New York Congresswoman". New York Times. Associated Press. May 16, 2008.
  33. ^ Woster, Kevin (December 16, 2008). "Something we can all agree on: Congratulations!". Rapid City Journal.
  34. ^ Akers, Mary Ann (May 13, 2009). "New Mama in the House: Linda Sanchez". Washington Post.
  35. ^ Barone, Michael; Chuck McCutcheon (2011). "Washington/Fifth District". The Almanac of American Politics (2012 ed.). University of Chicago Press, National Journal Group, Inc. pp. 1716–1718. ISBN 978-0-226-03808-7.
  36. ^ "Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler celebrates 'miracle' baby girl born with Potter's sequence". New York Daily News. July 29, 2013.
  37. ^ Korte, Gregory (November 25, 2013). "Rep sets congressional record -- mom x 3". USA Today. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  38. ^ Skiba, Katherine (November 20, 2014). "Rep. Tammy Duckworth gives birth to daughter". Chicago Tribune.
  39. ^ Dake, Lauren (May 19, 2016). "Herrera Beutler gives birth to baby boy". The Columbian. Retrieved December 28, 2018.