Connecticut
Connecticut experienced a consistent increase in state-level legislative representation by women through the 1990s, but has since seen a slight drop in the percentage of seats held by women. At present, 29% of the state legislature is comprised of women. Connecticut stands out as the New England state with the most women serving in statewide office. Three of the six top electoral positions in the state are filled by women.
Connecticut Firsts:
- 1943: Clare Booth Luce was elected to the United States Congress and was the first woman from Connecticut to serve in this body
- 1975: Ella T. Grasso was elected as Connecticut’s first female Governor and was also the first woman in the nation’s history to be elected Governor in her own right
- 1988: Congresswoman Nancy L. Johnson was the first female Republican Representative to be appointed to the Ways and Means Committee
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2008:Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro won a record tenth term
Did You Know . . .
- During WWII (1941-1945), Connecticut had two female U.S. Representatives: Clare Booth Luce and Chase Going Woodhouse?
- Connecticut has had two female governors: Ella T. Grasso and Jodi Rell who filled a vacancy in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006?
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Connecticut has had 12 women hold the position of Secretary of State since 1939?
