Women in the United States House of Representatives

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Women have served in the United States House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the United States Congress, since 1917 following the election of Republican Jeannette Rankin from Montana, the first woman in Congress.[1] In total, 376 women have been U.S. representatives and seven more have been non-voting delegates. As of November 28, 2023, there are 126 women in the U.S. House of Representatives (not including four female non-voting delegates), making women 29.0% of the total.[2] Of the 383 women who have served in the House, 251 have been Democrats (including four from U.S. territories and the District of Columbia) and 132 have been Republicans (including three from U.S. territories, including pre-statehood Hawaii). One woman was the 52nd Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi of California.

Women have been elected to the House of Representatives from 48 of the 50 states. The states that have not elected a woman to the House of Representatives are Mississippi and North Dakota; both have sent women to the United States Senate. In 1917, Montana was the first state to send a woman to the House of Representatives and to Congress; in 2023, Vermont became the most recent state to send its first woman to the House and to Congress. Women have also been sent to Congress from five of the six territories of the United States; the only territory that has not sent a woman to the House of Representatives is the Northern Mariana Islands. California has elected more women to Congress than any other state, with 46 U.S. representatives elected since 1923. To date, no woman who has served in the House has ever previously been a senator, been elected to represent more than one state in non-consecutive elections, switched parties, or served as a third-party member in her career, although one was reelected as an Independent.

Firsts[edit]

Sometimes called the "Lady of the House", Jeannette Rankin entered the House of Representatives in 1917 as the first woman in Congress.
Alice Mary Robertson became the first woman to preside over the House or either chamber of Congress in 1921. In addition, she was the first woman elected from the American South (Oklahoma) and the first woman to defeat an incumbent representative.
Nancy Pelosi, 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (2007–2011, 2019–2023), the only woman to hold the position.

The first woman to be elected to Congress was Montana's Jeannette Rankin, a Republican, in the 1916 House elections;[3] notably, this occurred before the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which prohibits the federal government or any state from denying citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex.[4] On April 2, 1917, she took her oath of office along with the other members of the 65th Congress.[5]

Mae Nolan entered the House of Representatives in 1923 as the first Catholic woman in either chamber of Congress.[6] Clare Boothe Luce, who converted to the Catholic Church in 1946 before retiring as a Congresswoman, was the first female Catholic convert in either chamber.[7]

Florence Prag Kahn entered the House of Representatives in 1925 as the first Jewish and thus non-Christian woman in either chamber of Congress.[6]

Chase G. Woodhouse, born in Canada to American parents, entered the House of Representatives in 1945 as the first woman born outside the United States elected to either chamber of Congress. She went to become the first woman in congressional party leadership when elected secretary of the House Democratic Caucus in 1949. Lynn Morley Martin became the first Republican woman elected to a House leadership position as vice chair of the House Republican Conference in 1985.

Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman elected in both chambers of Congress; she first entered the House of Representatives in 1940, before her election into the Senate in 1948.[8]

Representative Vera Buchanan died in 1955, making her the first woman in either chamber of Congress to die in office.[9]

Patsy Mink, an Asian American, entered the House of Representatives in 1965 as the first woman of color in either chamber of Congress.[10][11]

Shirley Chisholm entered the House of Representatives in 1969 as the first African-American woman in either chamber of Congress.[11][12]

In 1969, Representative Charlotte Reid became the first woman to wear pants in the House of Representatives or Senate.[13]

In 1973, Representative Yvonne Brathwaite Burke became the first member of either the House of Representatives or Senate to give birth while in office, and she was the first member of Congress to be granted maternity leave, with the birth of her daughter Autumn.[14][15]

Mary Rose Oakar in 1977 became the first Arab-American woman elected to Congress.

The gym of the 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.[16]

Barbara Vucanovich entered the House of Representatives in 1983 as the first Hispanic or Latina woman in either chamber of Congress.

Apart from single-member House delegations, the first all-woman delegation in either chamber of Congress was from Hawaii, in late 1990—Pat Saiki and Patsy Mink. They were also the first all-woman of color delegation in either chamber.[17] In 2013, New Hampshire became the first state to have an all-woman delegation in both houses of Congress.[17]

Enid Greene Waldholtz entered the House of Representatives in 1995 as the first Mormon woman in that chamber; however, she was the second Mormon woman in Congress, after Senator Paula Hawkins of Florida.[18]

Jo Ann Emerson entered the House of Representatives in 1997 as the first and, so far, only woman (re)elected as neither a Democrat nor a Republican from any state to either chamber of Congress.[19] She won two elections scheduled on November 5, 1996: a special election to fill out the remainder of her husband's term in the 104th Congress, and a general election for a full term in the 105th Congress. Emerson received the Republican nomination for the unexpired term; however, the party slot for the regular election was already filled by another contender. According to Missouri law, she was ineligible to run as a GOP candidate, so she sought reelection and won her first full term as an independent.[20] Emerson was sworn into office as such before rejoining the Republicans a few days later.

Tammy Baldwin, a lesbian, entered the House of Representatives in 1999 as the first openly LGBT woman in either chamber of Congress.[21]

Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, rose through the ranks of her party leadership to be elected House whip in 2002,[22] before being elevated to House floor leader and minority leader the following year;[23] making her both the first woman whip and the first woman floor leader in either chamber of Congress. On January 4, 2007, she became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House.[24][25] On January 3, 2019, Pelosi become the first woman to reclaim the speakership.[25][26]

Mazie Hirono entered the House of Representatives in 2007 as one of the first two Buddhists (alongside Hank Johnson) and first Buddhist woman elected in either chamber of Congress.[27]

In 2011, the House of Representatives got its first women's bathroom near the chamber (Room H-211 of the Capitol building); women in the Senate have had their own restroom off the Senate floor since 1993.[28]

Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq War combat veteran, entered the House of Representatives in 2013 as the first woman with a disability in either chamber of Congress.[29]

Tulsi Gabbard entered the House of Representatives in 2013 as the first Hindu person in either chamber of Congress.[30] Kyrsten Sinema also entered the House that same year as the first openly bisexual person in either chamber of Congress.[31]

In the 2018 House elections, there was a wave of firsts elected to the House of Representatives for the 116th Congress. A record-breaking 103 women were elected or reelected to the House, causing many to call it the "Year of the Woman" in a reference to the first such year, the 1992 Senate elections.[32][33][34] Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland became the first Native American women ever elected to either house of Congress.[35] Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib became the first Muslim women elected to either chamber, with Tlaib the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress and Omar the first Somali-American of either sex to be elected.[36] Angie Craig became the first lesbian mother to be elected. Additionally, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Donna Shalala became, respectively, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress and the oldest woman to be elected to Congress for the first time.[37][38]

Also in 2018, Jacky Rosen became the first sitting female House one-termer to be elected to the Senate.[39]

In 2020, Republican Stephanie Bice was elected to become the first Iranian American, Pakistani American, and first woman of Iranian parentage and Pakistani ancestry in Congress,[40][41] and her fellow Republican, Yvette Herrell, was also elected as the first Native American woman from the party in Congress.[42] Additionally, Republicans Michelle Steel and Young Kim, and Democrat Marilyn Strickland were the first Korean-American women elected.[43] Strickland is also the first Afro-Asian woman elected to the House of Representatives.[44]

Mary Peltola entered the House of Representatives on September 13, 2022, after winning a special election on August 16, as the first Alaska Native person in either chamber of Congress.[45]

Length of service[edit]

Representative Marcy Kaptur, the longest serving woman in the chamber's history, has represented Ohio's 9th congressional district since 1983

Representative Marcy Kaptur, who has served in the House since January 3, 1983, has the longest-serving tenure of any female member in the chamber's history.[46] In 2018, she surpassed the record previously held by Edith Nourse Rogers, who served in the House from 1925 until her death in 1960.[47] She went on to surpass the record previously held by Barbara Mikulski, who served in the House and Senate for a combined 40 years, thus making her the longest-serving woman in congressional history.[48]

Pat Saiki (born 1930) is currently the oldest living former female member of the House. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke is the former member having survived longest since her first election (1973).

List of states represented by women[edit]

State Current members Previous members Total First female member Political party of first female member Years with female members
Alabama Alabama 1 2 3 Elizabeth B. Andrews Democratic 1972–1973, 2011–present
Alaska Alaska 1 0 1 Mary Peltola Democratic 2022–present
Arizona Arizona 1 6 7 Isabella Greenway Democratic 1933–1937, 1993–1995, 2007–present
Arkansas Arkansas 0 4 4 Pearl Oldfield Democratic 1929–1933, 1961–1963, 1993–1997
California California 17 30 47 Mae Nolan Republican 1923–1937, 1945–1951, 1973–1979, 1981–present
Colorado Colorado 4 3 7 Pat Schroeder Democratic 1973–present
Connecticut Connecticut 2 6 8 Clare Boothe Luce Republican 1943–1947, 1949–1951, 1971–1975, 1982–present
Delaware Delaware 1 0 1 Lisa Blunt Rochester Democratic 2017–present
Florida Florida 9 15 24 Ruth Owen Democratic 1929–1933, 1989–present
Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia 3 6 9 Florence Gibbs Democratic 1940–1941, 1946–1947, 1955–1963, 1993–2007, 2017–present
Hawaii Hawaii 1 5 6 Patsy Mink[a] Democratic 1965–1977, 1987–2002, 2007–2021, 2023–present
Idaho Idaho 0 2 2 Gracie Pfost Democratic 1953–1963, 1995–2001
Illinois Illinois 6 15 21 Winnifred Huck Republican 1922–1923, 1929–1931, 1939–1947, 1951–1971, 1973–1997, 1999–present
Indiana Indiana 2 7 9 Virginia E. Jenckes Democratic 1933–1939, 1949–1959, 1982–1985, 1989–1995, 1997–2007, 2013–present
Iowa Iowa 2 2 4 Cindy Axne & Abby Finkenauer Democratic 2019–present
Kansas Kansas 1 5 6 Kathryn O'Loughlin McCarthy Democratic 1933–1935, 1975–1979, 1985–1997, 2007–present
Kentucky Kentucky 0 2 2 Katherine G. Langley Republican 1927–1931, 1997–2007
Louisiana Louisiana 1 2 3 Lindy Boggs Democratic 1973–1991, 2021–present
Maine Maine 1 2 3 Margaret Chase Smith Republican 1940–1949, 1979–1995, 2009–present
Maryland Maryland 0 8 8 Katharine Byron Democratic 1941–1943, 1973–2003, 2008–2017
Massachusetts Massachusetts 3 4 7 Edith Rogers Republican 1925–1960, 1967–1983, 2007–present
Michigan Michigan 6 9 15 Ruth Thompson Republican 1951–1974, 1995–present
Minnesota Minnesota 4 2 6 Coya Knutson Democratic–Farmer–Labor 1955–1959, 2001–present
Mississippi Mississippi 0 0 0
Missouri Missouri 2 6 8 Leonor Sullivan Democratic 1953–1977, 1991–present
Montana Montana 0 1 1 Jeannette Rankin Republican 1917–1919, 1941–1943
Nebraska Nebraska 0 1 1 Virginia D. Smith Republican 1975–1991
Nevada Nevada 2 3 5 Barbara Vucanovich Republican 1983–1997, 1999–present
New Hampshire New Hampshire 1 1 2 Carol Shea-Porter Democratic 2007–2011, 2013–present
New Jersey New Jersey 2 5 7 Mary Norton Democratic 1925–1951, 1957–1973, 1975–2003, 2015–present
New Mexico New Mexico 2 6 8 Georgia Lusk Democratic 1947–1949, 1998–2009, 2013–present
New York (state) New York 7 22 29 Ruth Pratt Republican 1929–1945, 1947–1983, 1987–present
North Carolina North Carolina 5 4 9 Eliza Pratt Democratic 1946–1947, 1992–present
North Dakota North Dakota 0 0 0
Ohio Ohio 4 9 13 Frances P. Bolton Republican 1940–1969, 1977–present
Oklahoma Oklahoma 1 3 4 Alice Robertson Republican 1921–1923, 2007–2011, 2019–present
Oregon Oregon 4 4 8 Nan Honeyman Democratic 1937–1939, 1955–1974, 1993–2009, 2012–present
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 5 7 12 Veronica Boland Democratic 1942–1943, 1951–1963, 1993–1995, 2001–2015, 2018–present
Rhode Island Rhode Island 0 1 1 Claudine Schneider Republican 1981–1991
South Carolina South Carolina 1 5 6 Elizabeth Gasque Democratic 1938–1941, 1944–1945, 1962–1963, 1987–1993, 2021–present
South Dakota South Dakota 0 2 2 Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Democratic 2004–2019
Tennessee Tennessee 1 6 7 Willa Eslick Democratic 1932–1933, 1961–1965, 1975–1995, 2003–2019, 2021–present
Texas Texas 8 5 13 Lera Thomas Democratic 1966–1967, 1973–1979, 1993–present
Utah Utah 1 4 5 Reva Bosone Democratic 1949–1953, 1993–1997, 2015–2019, 2023–present
Vermont Vermont 1 0 1 Becca Balint Democratic 2023–present
Virginia Virginia 4 5 9 Leslie Byrne Democratic 1993–1995, 2001–2009, 2015–present
Washington (state) Washington 6 7 13 Catherine May Republican 1959–1974, 1989–present
West Virginia West Virginia 1 2 3 Elizabeth Kee Democratic 1951–1965, 2001–2015, 2019–present
Wisconsin Wisconsin 1 1 2 Tammy Baldwin Democratic 1999–present
Wyoming Wyoming 1 3 4 Barbara Cubin Republican 1995–present

List of territories and the District of Columbia represented by women[edit]

Territory Current members Previous members Total First female member Political party of first female member Years with female members
American Samoa American Samoa 1 0 1 Amata Radewagen Republican 2015–present
Washington, D.C. District of Columbia 1 0 1 Eleanor Holmes Norton Democratic 1991–present
Guam Guam 0 1 1 Madeleine Bordallo Democratic 2003–2019
Hawaii Hawaii Territory 0 1 1 Elizabeth P. Farrington[a] Republican 1954–1957
Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands 0 0 0
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico 1 0 1 Jenniffer González Republican 2017–present
United States Virgin Islands United States Virgin Islands 1 1 2 Donna Christian-Christensen Democratic 1997–present

Family ties and widow's succession[edit]

Winnifred Sprague Mason Huck of Illinois, the third woman ever elected to Congress, became the first woman followed into national office due to family connections. She succeeded her father into the House in the wake of his death in 1921; Huck won a special election to fill out the remainder of his term, but lost a primary election for renomination in her own right, so she served just 14 weeks.[49][50] In 1990, Rep. Susan Molinari become the first woman elected to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of her father rather than his death.[51]

Mae Nolan of California becomes the first woman elected to Congress to fill the vacant seat caused by the death of her husband in 1922, which is sometimes known as the widow's succession.[50][52] In the early years of women in Congress, such a seat was usually held only until the next general election, and the women retired after that single Congress, thereby becoming a placeholders to finishing elected terms of their husbands.[52] As the years progressed, however, more and more of these widow successors sought reelection. These women began to win their own elections, with Florence Prag Kahn of California becoming the first woman to do it. After entering the House of Representatives in 1925 to replace her late husband, she established herself as an effective legislator in her own right and would go on to win reelection five more times.[52][53] Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan succeeded her living spouse after his retirement, becoming the first woman to do it.[54]

To date, 45 women have directly succeeded their late husbands in Congress, with 38 of them seated in the House and eight in the Senate.[49] The only current example is Representative Doris Matsui of California.[b] One of the most prominent examples was Margaret Chase Smith of Maine, who served a total of 32 years in both the House and the Senate and been the first woman to do so. 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 GOP Senate leadership (in the third-highest post of Chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference).

Frances P. Bolton of Ohio became the first woman overlapping a tenure with her child in either chamber of Congress. She served alongside her son in the House of Representatives from 1953 to 1957 and again from 1963 to 1965; making them the first mother-son team ever to be simultaneously elected.[49][55]

In 1965, Elizabeth Kee of West Virginia became the first woman who directly preceded her own child in any chamber of Congress; event occurred after she stepped down from the House and her son was elected to a vacant seat.[56] Congresswomen Loretta and Linda Sánchez, both of California, served along each other from 2003 to 2017; making them the first pair of sisters elected to either chamber.[49][57]

Number of women[edit]

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

Women U.S. representatives of the 113th Congress
A map showing the U.S. House of Representatives districts held by female and male representatives on November 30, 2023 (the last time at which the House had no vacancies)
  Male Representative
  Female Representative
Pie chart showing the number of female and male U.S. representatives as of November 30, 2023 (the last time at which the House had no vacancies).
  Male Representative
  Female Representative
The number of women who sought and won election to Congress in each election cycle from 1974 to 2018.[58] [59]

Number of women in the United States Congress (1917–present):[60][61]

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 104 19.2%
114th 2015–2017 109 20.1%
115th 2017–2019 116 21.4%
116th 2019–2021 131 24.2%
117th 2021–2023 152 28.1%
118th 2023–2025 155 28.7%

Number of women in the United States House of Representatives by party[edit]

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 Republicans % of women % of party Democrats % 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 23 11 47.8% 6.0% 12 52.2% 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 56 17 30.4% 7.5% 39 69.6% 18.8%
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 101 13 12.9% 6.5% 88 87.1% 37.4%
117th 2021–2023 126 33 26.2% 14.6% 93 73.8% 41.2%
118th 2023–2025 126 33 26.2% 14.9% 93 73.8% 42.9%

Percentage of women by party and year[edit]


Showing the data tabulated above (as of the 117th Congress) as a graph.

List of female members[edit]

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

Female members whose service began between 1917 and 1932[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
Rep. Rankin Jeannette Rankin
(1880–1973)
[c]
Republican Montana at-large March 4, 1917 March 3, 1919 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for the 1918 United States Senate election in Montana
Montana's 1st January 3, 1941 January 3, 1943 Retired
Rep. Robertson Alice Robertson
(1854–1931)
[d]
Republican Oklahoma's 2nd March 4, 1921 March 3, 1923 Lost reelection
Rep. Huck Winnifred Huck
(1882–1936)
[e]
Republican Illinois's at-large November 7, 1922 March 3, 1923 Lost renomination
Rep. Nolan Mae Nolan
(1886–1973)
[f]
Republican California's 5th January 23, 1923 March 3, 1925 Retired
Rep. Kahn Florence Kahn
(1866–1948)
[g][h]
Republican California's 4th March 4, 1925 January 3, 1937 Lost reelection
Rep. Norton Mary Norton
(1875–1959)
[i][h]
Democratic New Jersey's 12th & 13th March 4, 1925 January 3, 1951 Retired
Rep. Rogers Edith Rogers
(1881–1960)
[j][h]
Republican Massachusetts's 5th June 30, 1925 September 10, 1960 Died in office
Rep. Langley Katherine G. Langley
(1888–1948)
[k]
Republican Kentucky's 7th March 4, 1927 March 3, 1931 Retired
Rep. Oldfield Pearl Oldfield
(1876–1962)
[l]
Democratic Arkansas's 2nd January 9, 1929 March 3, 1931 Retired
Rep. McCormick Ruth McCormick
(1880–1944)
[m]
Republican Illinois's at-large March 4, 1929 March 3, 1931 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1930 United States Senate election in Illinois[n]
Rep. Owen Ruth Owen
(1885–1954)
[o]
Democratic Florida's 4th March 4, 1929 March 3, 1933 Lost renomination[p]
Rep. Pratt Ruth Pratt
(1877–1965)
Republican New York's 17th March 4, 1929 March 3, 1933 Lost reelection
Rep. Wingo Effiegene Wingo
(1883–1962)
[q]
Democratic Arkansas's 4th November 4, 1930 March 3, 1933 Retired
Rep. Eslick Willa Eslick
(1878–1961)
[r]
Democratic Tennessee's 7th August 14, 1932 March 3, 1933 Not eligible for reelection having not qualified for nomination

Female members whose service began between 1933 and 1942[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
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's at-large October 2, 1933 January 3, 1937 Retired
Rep. Clarke Marian W. Clarke
(1880–1953)
[s]
Republican New York's 34th December 28, 1933 January 3, 1935 Retired
Rep. O'Day Caroline O'Day
(1869–1943)
Democratic New York's 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)
[t]
Democratic South Carolina's 6th September 13, 1938 January 3, 1939 Retired
Rep. Sumner Jessie Sumner
(1898–1994)
Republican Illinois's 18th January 3, 1939 January 3, 1947 Retired
Rep. McMillan Clara G. McMillan
(1894–1976)
[u]
Democratic South Carolina's 1st November 7, 1939 January 3, 1941 Retired
Rep. Bolton Frances P. Bolton
(1885–1977)
[v]
Republican Ohio's 22nd February 27, 1940 January 3, 1969 Lost reelection
Rep. Smith Margaret Chase Smith
(1897–1995)
[w]
Republican Maine's 2nd June 3, 1940 January 3, 1949 Retired to run successfully for the 1948 United States Senate election in Maine, thus becoming the first woman to serve in both houses of the United States Congress, and the first woman to represent Maine in either.
Rep. Gibbs Florence Gibbs
(1890–1964)
[x]
Democratic Georgia's 8th October 1, 1940 January 3, 1941 Retired
Rep. Byron Katharine Byron
(1903–1976)
[y]
Democratic Maryland's 6th May 27, 1941 January 3, 1943 Retired
Rep. Boland Veronica Boland
(1899–1982)
[z]
Democratic Pennsylvania's 11th November 3, 1942 January 3, 1943 Retired

Female members whose service began between 1943 and 1952[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
Rep. Luce Clare Boothe Luce
(1903–1987)
[aa]
Republican Connecticut's 4th January 3, 1943 January 3, 1947 Retired[ab]
Rep. Stanley Winifred C. Stanley
(1909–1996)
Republican New York's at-large January 3, 1943 January 3, 1945 Retired
Rep. Fulmer Willa L. Fulmer
(1884–1968)
[ac]
Democratic South Carolina's 2nd November 7, 1944 January 3, 1945 Retired
Rep. Douglas Emily Douglas
(1899–1994)
[ad]
Democratic Illinois's 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)
[ae]
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's at-large January 3, 1947 January 3, 1949 Lost renomination
Rep. St. George Katharine St. George
(1894–1983)
Republican New York's 29th, 28th, & 27th January 3, 1947 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 & 12th November 8, 1949 January 3, 1969 Lost renomination
Rep. Church Marguerite S. Church
(1892–1990)
[af]
Republican Illinois's 13th January 3, 1951 January 3, 1963 Retired
Rep. Thompson Ruth Thompson
(1887–1970)
Republican Michigan's 9th January 3, 1951 January 3, 1957 Lost renomination
Rep. Kee Elizabeth Kee
(1895–1975)
[ag]
Democratic West Virginia's 5th July 17, 1951 January 3, 1965 Retired
Rep. Buchanan Vera Buchanan
(1902–1955)
[ah]
Democratic Pennsylvania's 33rd & 30th July 24, 1951 October 26, 1955 Died in office

Female members whose service began between 1953 and 1962[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
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)
[ai]
Democratic Missouri's 3rd January 3, 1953 January 3, 1977 Retired
Del. Farrington Elizabeth P. Farrington
(1898–1984)
[aj]
Republican Hawaii's at-large July 31, 1954 January 3, 1957 Lost reelection
Rep. Blitch Iris Blitch
(1912–1993)
[ak]
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[al]
Rep. Knutson Coya Knutson
(1912–1996)
Democratic (DFL) Minnesota's 9th January 3, 1955 January 3, 1959 Lost reelection
Rep. Granahan Kathryn E. Granahan
(1894–1979)
[am]
Democratic Pennsylvania's 2nd November 6, 1956 January 3, 1963 Retired[an]
Rep. Dwyer Florence P. Dwyer
(1902–1976)
Republican New Jersey's 6th & 12th January 3, 1957 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)
[ao]
Republican Illinois's 20th January 3, 1959 January 3, 1961 Retired
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)
[ap]
Democratic Arkansas's 6th April 19, 1961 January 3, 1963 Retired
Rep. Reece Louise Reece
(1898–1970)
[aq]
Republican Tennessee's 1st May 16, 1961 January 3, 1963 Retired
Rep. Riley Corinne Riley
(1893–1979)
[ar]
Democratic South Carolina's 2nd April 10, 1962 January 3, 1963 Retired

Female members whose service began between 1963 and 1972[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
Rep. Reid Charlotte Reid
(1913–2007)
[as]
Republican Illinois's 15th January 3, 1963 October 7, 1971 Resigned to become a member of the Federal Communications Commission
Rep. Baker Irene Baker
(1901–1994)
[at]
Republican Tennessee's 2nd January 7, 1964 January 3, 1965 Retired
Rep. Mink Patsy Mink
(1927–2002)
[au]
Democratic Hawaii's at-large & 2nd January 3, 1965 January 3, 1977 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 1976 United States Senate election in Hawaii[av]
Hawaii's 2nd September 22, 1990 September 28, 2002 Died in office
Rep. Thomas Lera Thomas
(1900–1993)
[aw]
Democratic Texas's 8th March 26, 1966 January 3, 1967 Retired
Rep. Heckler Margaret Heckler
(1931–2018)
Republican Massachusetts's 10th January 3, 1967 January 3, 1983 Lost reelection[ax]
Rep. Chisholm Shirley Chisholm
(1924–2005)
[ay]
Democratic New York's 12th January 3, 1969 January 3, 1983 Retired
Rep. Abzug Bella Abzug
(1920–1998)
Democratic New York's 19th & 20th January 3, 1971 January 3, 1977 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the 1976 United States Senate election in New York
Rep. Grasso Ella Grasso
(1919–1981)
Democratic Connecticut's 6th January 3, 1971 January 3, 1975 Retired to run successfully for Governor of Connecticut
Rep. Hicks Louise Hicks
(1916–2003)
Democratic Massachusetts's 9th January 3, 1971 January 3, 1973 Lost reelection
Rep. Andrews Elizabeth B. Andrews
(1911–2002)
[az]
Democratic Alabama's 3rd April 4, 1972 January 3, 1973 Retired

Female members whose service began between 1973 and 1982[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
Rep. Braithwaite-Burke Yvonne Burke
(born 1932)
Democratic California's 37th & 28th January 3, 1973 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)
[ba]
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
(1940–2023)
Democratic Colorado's 1st January 3, 1973 January 3, 1997 Retired
Rep. Boggs Lindy Boggs
(1916–2013)
[bb]
Democratic Louisiana's 2nd March 20, 1973 January 3, 1991 Retired[bc]
Rep. Collins Cardiss Collins
(1931–2013)
[bd]
Democratic Illinois's 7th June 5, 1973 January 3, 1997 Retired
Rep. Fenwick Millicent Fenwick
(1910–1992)
[be]
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[bf]
Rep. Keys Martha Keys
(born 1930)
[bg]
Democratic Kansas's 2nd January 3, 1975 January 3, 1979 Lost reelection
Rep. Lloyd Marilyn Lloyd
(1929–2018)
[as]
Democratic Tennessee's 3rd January 3, 1975 January 3, 1995 Retired
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 February 24, 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 Meyner
(1929–1997)
Democratic New Jersey's 13th January 3, 1975 January 3, 1979 Lost reelection
Rep. Pettis Shirley Pettis
(1924–2016)
[bh]
Republican California's 37th April 29, 1975 January 3, 1979 Retired
Rep. Mikulski Barbara Mikulski
(born 1936)
[bi]
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)
[bj]
Democratic Ohio's 20th January 3, 1977 January 3, 1993 Lost reelection
Rep. Byron Beverly Byron
(born 1932)
[bk]
Democratic Maryland's 6th January 3, 1979 January 3, 1993 Lost renomination
Rep. Ferraro Geraldine Ferraro
(1935–2011)
Democratic New York's 9th January 3, 1979 January 3, 1985 Retired to run unsuccessfully as the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States during the 1984 United States presidential election[bl]
Rep. Snowe Olympia Snowe
(born 1947)
[bm]
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
(1937–2019)
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)
[bn]
Republican Illinois's 16th January 3, 1981 January 3, 1991 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1990 United States Senate election in Illinois[bo]
Rep. Roukema Marge Roukema
(1929–2014)
Republican New Jersey's 7th & 5th January 3, 1981 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 1998 Connecticut gubernatorial election
Rep. Spencer-Ashbrook Jean Spencer Ashbrook
(born 1934)
[bp]
Republican Ohio's 17th June 29, 1982 January 3, 1983 Retired
Rep. Hall Katie Hall
(1938–2012)
Democratic Indiana's 1st November 2, 1982 January 3, 1985 Lost renomination

Female members whose service began between 1983 and 1992[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
Rep. Boxer Barbara Boxer
(born 1940)
[bi]
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 & 5th January 3, 1983 January 3, 2007 Lost reelection
Rep. Kaptur Marcy Kaptur
(born 1946)
[bq]
Democratic Ohio's 9th January 3, 1983 Present
Rep. Vucanovich Barbara Vucanovich
(1921–2013)
[br]
Republican Nevada's 2nd January 3, 1983 January 3, 1997 Retired
Rep. Burton Sala Burton
(1925–1987)
[bs]
Democratic California's 5th June 21, 1983 February 1, 1987 Died in office
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 1994 Maryland gubernatorial election
Rep. Meyers Jan Meyers
(1928–2019)
Republican Kansas's 3rd January 3, 1985 January 3, 1997 Retired
Rep. Small-Long Catherine Small Long
(1924–2019)
[bt]
Democratic Louisiana's 8th March 30, 1985 January 3, 1987 Retired
Rep. Morella Connie Morella
(born 1931)
Republican Maryland's 8th January 3, 1987 January 3, 2003 Lost reelection[bu]
Rep. Patterson Liz J. Patterson
(1939–2018)
[bv]
Democratic South Carolina's 4th January 3, 1987 January 3, 1993 Lost reelection
Rep. Saiki Pat Saiki
(born 1930)
[bw]
Republican Hawaii's 1st January 3, 1987 January 3, 1991 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 1990 United States Senate special election in Hawaii[bx]
Rep. Slaughter Louise Slaughter
(1929–2018)
Democratic New York's 30th, 28th, & 25th January 3, 1987 March 16, 2018 Died in office
Rep. Pelosi Nancy Pelosi
(born 1940)
[by]
Democratic California's 5th, 8th, 12th, & 11th June 2, 1987 Present
Rep. Lowey Nita Lowey
(born 1937)
Democratic New York's 20th, 18th, & 17th January 3, 1989 January 3, 2021 Retired
Rep. Unsoeld Jolene Unsoeld
(1931–2021)
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)
[bz]
Republican Florida's 18th & 27th August 29, 1989 January 3, 2019 Retired
Rep. Molinari Susan Molinari
(born 1958)
[ca]
Republican New York's 14th & 13th March 20, 1990 August 2, 1997 Resigned to become co-host of CBS This Morning
Rep. Collins Barbara-Rose Collins
(1939–2021)
Democratic Michigan's 13th & 15th January 3, 1991 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's 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, 35th, & 43rd January 3, 1991 Present
Rep. Clayton Eva Clayton
(born 1934)
Democratic North Carolina's 1st November 3, 1992 January 3, 2001 Retired

Female members whose service began between 1993 and 2002[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
Rep. Brown Corrine Brown
(born 1946)
Democratic Florida's 3rd & 5th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2017 Lost renomination
Rep. Byrne Leslie 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[cb]
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)
[cc]
Democratic California's 14th, 18th, & 16th January 3, 1993 Present
Rep. Fowler Tillie Fowler
(1942–2005)
Republican Florida's 4th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2001 Retired
Rep. Furse Elizabeth Furse
(1936–2021)
[cd]
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 1998 California gubernatorial election
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
(1934–2023)
Democratic Texas's 30th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2023 Retired
Rep. Lincoln Blanche Lincoln
(born 1960)
Democratic Arkansas's 1st January 3, 1993 January 3, 1997 Retired[ce]
Rep. Maloney Carolyn Maloney
(born 1946)
Democratic New York's 14th & 12th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2023 Lost renomination
Rep. Margolies-Mezvinsky Marjorie Margolies
(born 1942)
[cf]
Democratic Pennsylvania's 13th January 3, 1993 January 3, 1995 Lost reelection
Rep. McKinney Cynthia McKinney
(born 1955)
Democratic Georgia's 11th & 4th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2003 Lost renomination
Georgia's 4th January 3, 2005 January 3, 2007 Lost renomination[cg]
Rep. Meek Carrie Meek
(1926–2021)
[ch]
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)
[ci]
Democratic California's 33rd, 34th, & 40th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2023 Retired
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 & 7th January 3, 1993 Present
Rep. Woolsey Lynn Woolsey
(born 1937)
Democratic California's 6th January 3, 1993 January 3, 2013 Retired
Rep. Chenoweth-Hage Helen Chenoweth
(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
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, 19th, & 18th January 3, 1995 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
Enid Greene Waldholtz
(born 1958)
[cj]
Republican Utah's 2nd January 3, 1995 January 3, 1997 Retired
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)
[ck]
Republican Missouri's 8th November 5, 1996 January 3, 1997 Switched affiliation and retook seat as an independent, having been reelected under that designation
Independent January 3, 1997 January 8, 1997 Changed party back to Republican
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)
[cl]
Democratic Indiana's 10th & 7th January 3, 1997 December 15, 2007 Died in office
Rep. Cheeks-Kilpatrick Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick
(born 1945)
Democratic Michigan's 15th & 13th January 3, 1997 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)
[cm]
Democratic California's 46th, 47th, & 46th January 3, 1997 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
(1951–2019)
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)
[cn]
Democratic California's 22nd, 23rd, & 24th March 10, 1998 January 3, 2017 Retired
Rep. Bono Mack Mary Bono
(born 1961)
[co]
Republican California's 44th & 45th April 7, 1998 January 3, 2013 Lost reelection
Rep. Lee Barbara Lee
(born 1946)
Democratic California's 9th, 13th, & 12th April 7, 1998 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[cp]
Rep. Baldwin Tammy Baldwin
(born 1962)
[cq]
Democratic Wisconsin's 2nd January 3, 1999 January 3, 2013 Retired to run successfully for the 2012 United States Senate election in Wisconsin, thus becoming the first openly LGBT person to serve in both houses of the United States Congress, and the first woman to represent Wisconsin in either.[66]
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, 38th, 32nd, & 31st January 3, 1999 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. 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. 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 & 53rd January 3, 2001 January 3, 2021 Retired
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 (DFL) Minnesota's 4th January 3, 2001 Present
Rep. Solis Hilda Solis
(born 1957)
Democratic California's 31st & 32nd January 3, 2001 February 24, 2009 Resigned to become United States Secretary of Labor
Rep. Watson Diane Watson
(born 1933)
Democratic California's 32nd & 33rd June 5, 2001 January 3, 2011 Retired

Female members whose service began between 2003 and 2012[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
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
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
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 3, 2017 Retired to run successfully for Public Works Commissioner of Macomb County
Rep. Musgrave Marilyn Musgrave
(born 1949)
Republican Colorado's 4th January 3, 2003 January 3, 2009 Lost reelection
Rep. Sánchez Linda Sánchez
(born 1969)
[cr]
Democratic California's 39th & 38th January 3, 2003 present
Rep. Herseth Sandlin Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
(born 1970)
[cs]
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, 23rd, & 25th January 3, 2005 present
Rep. Matsui Doris Matsui
(born 1944)
[ct]
Democratic California's 5th, 6th, & 7th March 3, 2005 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 & 14th January 3, 2007 present
Rep. Clarke Yvette Clarke
(born 1964)
Democratic New York's 11th & 9th January 3, 2007 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
Rep. Giffords Gabrielle Giffords
(born 1970)
Democratic Arizona's 8th January 3, 2007 January 25, 2012 Resigned due to the injuries from 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 after being appointed to the United States Senate[cu]
Rep. Hirono Mazie Hirono
(born 1947)
[cv]
Democratic Hawaii's 2nd January 3, 2007 January 3, 2013 Retired to run successfully for the 2012 United States Senate election in Hawaii
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. Richardson Laura Richardson
(born 1962)
Democratic California's 37th August 21, 2007 January 3, 2013 Lost reelection
Rep. Tsongas Niki Tsongas
(born 1946)
[cw]
Democratic Massachusetts's 5th & 3rd October 16, 2007 January 3, 2019 Retired
Rep. Speier Jackie Speier
(born 1950)
Democratic California's 12th & 14th April 8, 2008 January 3, 2023 Retired
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 March 10, 2021 Resigned to become United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
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
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 January 3, 2023 Retired
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[cx]
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)
[cy]
Democratic California's 32nd, 27th, & 28th June 19, 2009 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 & 37th January 3, 2011 December 9, 2022 Resigned to become mayor of Los Angeles
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 January 3, 2023 Retired to run unsuccessfully for the 2022 United States Senate election in Missouri
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 January 3, 2023 Lost renomination
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 January 3, 2021 Retired
Rep. Sewell Terri Sewell
(born 1965)
Democratic Alabama's 7th January 3, 2011 present
Rep. Wilson Frederica Wilson
(born 1942)
Democratic Florida's 17th & 24th January 3, 2011 present
Rep. Hochul Kathy Hochul
(born 1958)
Democratic New York's 26th June 1, 2011 January 3, 2013 Lost reelection[cz]
Rep. Hahn Janice Hahn
(born 1952)
Democratic California's 36th & 44th July 12, 2011 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

Female members whose service began between 2013 and 2022[edit]

Portrait Name
(lifespan)
Party District Term start Term end Reason(s) for leaving
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 January 3, 2021 Retired
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 January 3, 2023 Retired
Rep. Duckworth Tammy Duckworth
(born 1968)
[da]
Democratic Illinois's 8th January 3, 2013 January 3, 2017 Retired to run successfully for the 2016 United States Senate election in Illinois
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 & 21st January 3, 2013 Present

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