When was the first woman elected to the US Congress?

Jeannette Pickering Rankin (June 11, 1880 – May 18, 1973) became the first woman to hold a high government office in the United States when, in 1916, she was elected to the United States Congress from the state of Montana.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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13 Comments

james parrillo

William Hart, Thank you for the extra information. Christine, James's wife

skrueger

Richard D. Boyle, But Montana gave women the right to vote in 1914 and many women voted for her.

skrueger

William Laughlin, You fail to mention that Montana gave women the right to vote in 1914 and many women voted for her.

Richard D. Boyle

Remarkable, in view of the fact that women were not yet able to vote in 1916. That did not happen until 1920 and she was not returned to Congress in that election although she did run again, and won, in 1940.

Marcella Kosse

The year my dad was born. Hopefully I will remember if it comes up again.

ninakamwene

No idea. Good job Ms Rankin!

William Hart

She was first elected in 1916 - and voted against the declaration of war in 1917 (one of about 20 votes against). For the 1920 election her district was eliminated and she was not re-elected. The next time she was elected was 1940. She cast the only vote against the declaration of war against Japan. For the declaration of war on Germany, she abstained. She was not re-elected. She was aver principled lady.