Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

Changes from August 30, 2022 to October 13, 2022

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Women in Congress:
~~August 30~~October 13, 2022 , 2022
Statistics and Brief Overview
Jennifer E. Manning
As of As of ~~August 25~~October 12, 2022, , 2022, ~~150~~151 women are serving in the 117th Congress. There are women are serving in the 117th Congress. There are ~~126~~127 women women
Senior Research Librarian Senior Research Librarian
serving in the House (including 3 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), serving in the House (including 3 Delegates and the Resident Commissioner), 9293 Democrats and Democrats and

34 Republicans. There are 24 women in the Senate, 16 Democrats and 8 Republicans. 34 Republicans. There are 24 women in the Senate, 16 Democrats and 8 Republicans.
Ida A. Brudnick
Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress
Initially, on the first day of the 117th Congress, there were 148 women. Since then, this number Initially, on the first day of the 117th Congress, there were 148 women. Since then, this number

has fluctuated as two House Members resigned; one House Member died; has fluctuated as two House Members resigned; one House Member died; ~~seven~~eight House Members House Members
took their respective oaths of officetook their respective oaths of office in, including one in each of February 2021, April 2021, June February 2021, April 2021, June 2021, November 2021, 2021, November 2021,

and January 2022, January 2022, two in June 2022, and one in September~~and two in June~~ 2022; one Senator resigned; and one Senator’s appointed term 2022; one Senator resigned; and one Senator’s appointed term
expired. expired.
These 148 women initially sworn in at the beginning of the 117th Congress surpassed the 130 women that were serving at the These 148 women initially sworn in at the beginning of the 117th Congress surpassed the 130 women that were serving at the
close of the 116th Congress. The number of women serving during the 116th Congress also fluctuated: a then-record 131 close of the 116th Congress. The number of women serving during the 116th Congress also fluctuated: a then-record 131
women were initially sworn in; one woman in the House subsequently resigned; and two women were appointed to the women were initially sworn in; one woman in the House subsequently resigned; and two women were appointed to the
Senate with one of these two Senate appointments expiring before the end of the Congress. Senate with one of these two Senate appointments expiring before the end of the Congress.
The very first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, served 1917-1919 and 1941-1943). The very first woman elected to Congress was Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, served 1917-1919 and 1941-1943).
The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA, appointed and served for only one day in 1922). The first woman to serve in the Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA, appointed and served for only one day in 1922).
The first woman elected to a six-year Senate term was Hattie Caraway (D-AR, served 1931-1945), and she was also the first The first woman elected to a six-year Senate term was Hattie Caraway (D-AR, served 1931-1945), and she was also the first
Senator to succeed her spouse. Senator to succeed her spouse.
In total, In total, ~~399~~400 women have been elected or appointed to Congress. Of these women have been elected or appointed to Congress. Of these
  ~~259~~260 women were Democrats and 140 Republicans; women were Democrats and 140 Republicans;
  ~~341 (223~~342 (224 Democrats, 118 Republicans) women have been elected only to the House; Democrats, 118 Republicans) women have been elected only to the House;
 41 (25 Democrats, 16 Republicans) women have been elected or appointed only to the Senate;  41 (25 Democrats, 16 Republicans) women have been elected or appointed only to the Senate;
 17 (11 Democrats, 6 Republicans) women have served in both chambers;  17 (11 Democrats, 6 Republicans) women have served in both chambers;
 52 African American women have served in Congress (2 in the Senate, 50 in the House), including 28  52 African American women have served in Congress (2 in the Senate, 50 in the House), including 28
serving in the 117th Congress; serving in the 117th Congress;
 16 Asian Pacific American women have served in Congress (13 in the House, 1 in the Senate, and 2 in both  16 Asian Pacific American women have served in Congress (13 in the House, 1 in the Senate, and 2 in both
the House and Senate), including 11 in the 117th Congress; the House and Senate), including 11 in the 117th Congress;
 24 Hispanic women have served in Congress (1 in the Senate), including 17 in the 117th Congress;  24 Hispanic women have served in Congress (1 in the Senate), including 17 in the 117th Congress;
  34 American Indian American Indian or Alaska Native women have served in the House, women have served in the House, 23 of whom are currently serving; of whom are currently serving; and and
 7 women have served in the House representing territories and properties possessed or administered by the  7 women have served in the House representing territories and properties possessed or administered by the
United States but not admitted to statehood. These include one delegate from Guam, Hawaii (pre- United States but not admitted to statehood. These include one delegate from Guam, Hawaii (pre-
statehood), the District of Columbia, and American Samoa; two delegates from the U.S. Virgin Islands; and statehood), the District of Columbia, and American Samoa; two delegates from the U.S. Virgin Islands; and
one Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. one Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
In the 117th Congress, In the 117th Congress, 1112 women serve as committee chairs. This includes women serve as committee chairs. This includes 78 women in the House ( women in the House (67 standing committees and standing committees and
1 select committee) and 4 in the Senate (all standing committees). Two of these women, one in each chamber, also chair a 1 select committee) and 4 in the Senate (all standing committees). Two of these women, one in each chamber, also chair a
joint committee related to their service as chair of a House or Senate standing committee. joint committee related to their service as chair of a House or Senate standing committee.
This report includes historical information, including the number of women in Congress over time; means of entry to This report includes historical information, including the number of women in Congress over time; means of entry to
Congress; comparisons to international and state legislatures; records for tenure; firsts for women in Congress; women in Congress; comparisons to international and state legislatures; records for tenure; firsts for women in Congress; women in
leadership; tallies of African American, Asian Pacific American, Hispanic, and American Indian leadership; tallies of African American, Asian Pacific American, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native women in Congress; and a women in Congress; and a
brief overview of research questions related to the role and impact of women in Congress. Thbrief overview of research questions related to the role and impact of women in Congress. The Appendix provides details on provides details on
the total number of women who have served in each Congress, including information on changes within a Congress. Due to the total number of women who have served in each Congress, including information on changes within a Congress. Due to
this turnover during a Congress, the text, tables, and notes throughout the report provide details on time periods used for the this turnover during a Congress, the text, tables, and notes throughout the report provide details on time periods used for the
tallies and the currency of the information. tallies and the currency of the information.
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

For additional biographical information—including the committee assignments, dates of service, listings by Congress and For additional biographical information—including the committee assignments, dates of service, listings by Congress and
state, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the state, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the ~~399~~400 women who have been elected or appointed to Congress— women who have been elected or appointed to Congress—
see CRS Report RL30261, see CRS Report RL30261, Women in Congress, 1917-2022: Service Dates and Committee Assignments by Member, and
Lists by State and Congress, by Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick. , by Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick.

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Appendixes
Appendix. Total Number of Women Who Served in Each Congress ............................................ 17

Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 20

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Introduction
Since 1917, when Jeannette Rankin became the first woman sworn in as a Member of Congress, a Since 1917, when Jeannette Rankin became the first woman sworn in as a Member of Congress, a
total of total of ~~399~~400 women have been elected or appointed to serve in the U.S. Congress. women have been elected or appointed to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Table 1 details this service by women in the House, Senate, and both chambers.1 details this service by women in the House, Senate, and both chambers.1
Table 1. Women Members of Congress: Summary Statistics, 1917-Present
(Inclusive through (Inclusive through ~~August 25~~October 12, 2022) , 2022)
House
Service
Women
House
Only
House
Who
Senate
Service
(Delegates and
Service
Served in
Total
Service
Only
Resident
Only
Both

Women
Only
(Representatives)
Commissioner)
(Subtotal) Chambers
Total
~~399~~400a
41
~~334~~335
7a
~~341a~~342a
17
Democrats
~~259~~260
25 25
~~219~~220
4 4
~~223~~224
11 11
Republicans
140 140
16 16
115 115
3 3
118 118
6 6
Source: U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian and Office of Art and Archives, “Women in Congress,” U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian and Office of Art and Archives, “Women in Congress,”
http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress/. http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress/.
Notes: The House and Senate totals each include one woman who was elected but never sworn in. The House and Senate totals each include one woman who was elected but never sworn in.
a. The total number of female Members of the House includes one Delegate to the House of Representatives a. The total number of female Members of the House includes one Delegate to the House of Representatives
from Hawaii prior to statehood; one from the District of Columbia, Guam, and American Samoa; and two from Hawaii prior to statehood; one from the District of Columbia, Guam, and American Samoa; and two
from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The total number also includes one Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. from the U.S. Virgin Islands. The total number also includes one Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
The 117th Congress began with 148 women.2 The 117th Congress began with 148 women.2 Table 2 shows that women currently account for3 shows that women currently account for3
 27.  27.35% of voting Members in the House and Senate (% of voting Members in the House and Senate (~~146~~147 of 535); of 535);
 27. 27.79% of total Members in the House and Senate (% of total Members in the House and Senate (~~150~~151 of 541, including the of 541, including the
Delegates and Resident Commissioner); Delegates and Resident Commissioner);
 28.  28.03% of voting Representatives in the House (% of voting Representatives in the House (~~122~~123 of 435); of 435);

1 Throughout this report, House and Senate totals each include one woman elected but not sworn in or seated due to the 1 Throughout this report, House and Senate totals each include one woman elected but not sworn in or seated due to the
House or Senate being out of session. Both women are included in various official congressional publications, House or Senate being out of session. Both women are included in various official congressional publications,
including, for example, the including, for example, the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (http://bioguide.congress.gov), (http://bioguide.congress.gov),
“Women in Congress” (http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress)“Women in Congress” (http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress),; and “Senators and “Senators
of the United States 1789-present: a chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789,” maintained by the of the United States 1789-present: a chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789,” maintained by the
Senate Historical Office (http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf). Senate Historical Office (http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf).
2 One additional woman was sworn into the House in the months of February 2021 (after a delay in the certification of 2 One additional woman was sworn into the House in the months of February 2021 (after a delay in the certification of
her election), April 2021, June 2021, November 2021, January 2022, her election), April 2021, June 2021, November 2021, January 2022, ~~and~~ two in June 2022two in June 2022, and one in September 2022. . The term of one appointed The term of one appointed
female Senator expired in January 2021, and another female Senator resigned in January 2021 to become Vice female Senator expired in January 2021, and another female Senator resigned in January 2021 to become Vice
President of the United States. Two female House Members resigned in March 2021 to become Cabinet Secretaries. President of the United States. Two female House Members resigned in March 2021 to become Cabinet Secretaries.
One female House Member died in August 2022. One female House Member died in August 2022.
3 As stated in CRS Report R40170, 3 As stated in CRS Report R40170, Parliamentary Rights of the Delegates and Resident Commissioner from Puerto
Rico, by , by ~~Christopher M. Davis~~Jane A. Hudiburg, the “delegates and the resident commissioner may not vote in, the “delegates and the resident commissioner may not vote in, or preside over or preside over, the the
House.” The report further explains rules in force during the 117th, 116th, 111th, 110th, and 103rd Congresses related to House.” The report further explains rules in force during the 117th, 116th, 111th, 110th, and 103rd Congresses related to
the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. For the purposes of this report, voting refers to voting in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. For the purposes of this report, voting refers to voting in
the House. the House.
Percentages in this report are calculated using total potential membership and do not reflect vacancies. Percentages in this report are calculated using total potential membership and do not reflect vacancies.
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 28.  28.68% of total Members in the House (% of total Members in the House (~~126~~127 of 441, including the Delegates and of 441, including the Delegates and
Resident Commissioner); and Resident Commissioner); and
 24.0% of the Senate.  24.0% of the Senate.
Table 2. Number of Women Members of the 117th Congress
(As of (As of ~~August 25~~October 12, 2022) , 2022)
Nonvoting
Members
House Subtotal
(Delegates and
(Representatives
Total
Resident
and Nonvoting

Women
Senators
Representatives
Commissioner)
Members)
Total
~~150~~151
24
~~122~~123
4
~~126~~127
Democrats
~~108~~109
16 16
9091
2 2
9293
Republicans
42 42
8 8
32 32
2 2
34 34
Source: U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian and Office of Art and Archives, “Women in Congress,” U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian and Office of Art and Archives, “Women in Congress,”
http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress/. http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress/.
Notes: The 117th Congress began with 148 women in the House and Senate. One woman was sworn into the The 117th Congress began with 148 women in the House and Senate. One woman was sworn into the
House in February 2021, another in April 2021, another in June 2021, another in November 2021, another in House in February 2021, another in April 2021, another in June 2021, another in November 2021, another in
January 2022, January 2022, two in June 2022, and another in September~~and two in June~~ 2022. Two House Members resigned in March 2021 to become Cabinet 2022. Two House Members resigned in March 2021 to become Cabinet
Secretaries. One House Member died in August 2022. Secretaries. One House Member died in August 2022.
The term of one appointed female Senator expired in January 2021, and another female Senator resigned in The term of one appointed female Senator expired in January 2021, and another female Senator resigned in
January 2021 to become Vice President of the United States. January 2021 to become Vice President of the United States.
Three of the women who serve in the House are Delegates, representing the District of Columbia, the U.S. Three of the women who serve in the House are Delegates, representing the District of Columbia, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. One woman serves as the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. One woman serves as the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
Information in this table is current as of the date of the report. Information in this table is current as of the date of the report.
This report includes historical information, including the (1) number and percentage of women in This report includes historical information, including the (1) number and percentage of women in
Congress over time; (2) means of entry to Congress; (3) comparisons to international and state Congress over time; (2) means of entry to Congress; (3) comparisons to international and state
legislatures; (4) records for tenure; (5) firsts for women in Congress; (6) number of African legislatures; (4) records for tenure; (5) firsts for women in Congress; (6) number of African
American, Asian Pacific, Hispanic American, and American Indian women in Congress; and (7) American, Asian Pacific, Hispanic American, and American Indian women in Congress; and (7)
women in leadership. It also provides a brief overview of research questions related to the role women in leadership. It also provides a brief overview of research questions related to the role
and impact of women in Congress. and impact of women in Congress.
For additional biographical information—including the names, committee assignments, dates of For additional biographical information—including the names, committee assignments, dates of
service, listings by Congress and state, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the service, listings by Congress and state, and (for Representatives) congressional districts of the
women who have served in Congress—see CRS Report RL30261, women who have served in Congress—see CRS Report RL30261, Women in Congress, 1917-
2022: Service Dates and Committee Assignments by Member, and Lists by State and Congress, by , by
Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick
Since the 65th Congress (1917-1918), the number of women serving in Congress generally Since the 65th Congress (1917-1918), the number of women serving in Congress generally
increased incrementally, and on a few occasions, decreased. In an exception to these incremental increased incrementally, and on a few occasions, decreased. In an exception to these incremental
changes, the elections in 1992, which came to be known popularly as the “Year of the Woman,” changes, the elections in 1992, which came to be known popularly as the “Year of the Woman,”
represented a jump in the number of women in Congress.4 At the close of the 102nd Congress represented a jump in the number of women in Congress.4 At the close of the 102nd Congress
(1991-1992), the number of women serving was 34, and, as a result of the 1992 election, on the (1991-1992), the number of women serving was 34, and, as a result of the 1992 election, on the
first day of the 103rd Congress (1993-1994) the number of women in Congress increased 58.8% first day of the 103rd Congress (1993-1994) the number of women in Congress increased 58.8%
to 54 women.5 More recently, the 115th Congress concluded with 115 women, and on the first day to 54 women.5 More recently, the 115th Congress concluded with 115 women, and on the first day

44 The Year of the Woman: Myths and Realities, ed. Elizabeth Adell Cook, Sue Thomas, and Clyde Wilcox (Boulder, , ed. Elizabeth Adell Cook, Sue Thomas, and Clyde Wilcox (Boulder,
CO: Westview Press, 1994). CO: Westview Press, 1994).
5 The 102nd Congress final-day total includes three women who were not present at the start of the Congress (one 5 The 102nd Congress final-day total includes three women who were not present at the start of the Congress (one
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

of the 116th Congress, the number of women in Congress increased 13.9%, to 131 women.6 Most of the 116th Congress, the number of women in Congress increased 13.9%, to 131 women.6 Most
recently, the 116th Congress concluded with 130 women, and on the first day of the 117th recently, the 116th Congress concluded with 130 women, and on the first day of the 117th
Congress the number of women in Congress increased 13.8% to 148 women.7 Congress the number of women in Congress increased 13.8% to 148 women.7
Figure 1 shows the changes in the number of women serving in each Congress. For a table listing shows the changes in the number of women serving in each Congress. For a table listing
the total number of women who have served in each Congress, including information on turnover the total number of women who have served in each Congress, including information on turnover
within a Congress, please see within a Congress, please see Table A-2 in the in the Appendix.
Figure 1. Number of Women by Congress: 1917-2021
(Including turnover, except data for the 117th Congress are for the beginning of the Congress) (Including turnover, except data for the 117th Congress are for the beginning of the Congress)

Source: Figure compiled by CRS, based on Figure compiled by CRS, based on http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-
Congress/. Congress/.
Notes: Including any Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners who served only a portion of the Including any Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners who served only a portion of the
Congress. For details on turnover, see notes Congress. For details on turnover, see notes ~~accompanying~~accompanying Table A-1.
Figure 2 shows division of men and women in Congress historically and in the 117th Congress. shows division of men and women in Congress historically and in the 117th Congress.

House Member and one Senator elected to fill a vacancy and one Senator appointed to fill a vacancy). The 103rd House Member and one Senator elected to fill a vacancy and one Senator appointed to fill a vacancy). The 103rd
Congress first-day total does not include one woman who was not present at the start of the Congress (a Senator who Congress first-day total does not include one woman who was not present at the start of the Congress (a Senator who
was elected to fill a vacancy). was elected to fill a vacancy).
6 The 115th Congress final-day total includes seven women who were not present at the start of the Congress (five 6 The 115th Congress final-day total includes seven women who were not present at the start of the Congress (five
House Members who were elected to fill a vacancy and two Senators who were appointed to fill a vacancy) and one House Members who were elected to fill a vacancy and two Senators who were appointed to fill a vacancy) and one
House Member who resigned on December 31, 2018. It excludes one House Member who died in office during the House Member who resigned on December 31, 2018. It excludes one House Member who died in office during the
Congress. Congress.
7 The 116th Congress final-day total includes one woman who was not present at the start of the Congress (a Senator 7 The 116th Congress final-day total includes one woman who was not present at the start of the Congress (a Senator
appointed to fill a vacancy). It excludes one House Member who resigned in November 2019, and one Senator whose appointed to fill a vacancy). It excludes one House Member who resigned in November 2019, and one Senator whose
appointed term ended in December 2020. appointed term ended in December 2020.
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

Figure 2. Women as a Percentage of Total Members Since 1789 and
in the 117th Congress
(As of the beginning of the 117th Congress) (As of the beginning of the 117th Congress)

Source: House of Representatives, House of Representatives, Total Members of the House and State Representation, update as of January 21, update as of January 21,
2021, http://history.house.gov/Institution/Total-Members/Total-Members/. This states, “Since the U.S. Congress 2021, http://history.house.gov/Institution/Total-Members/Total-Members/. This states, “Since the U.S. Congress
convened on March 4, 1789, 12,415 individuals have served as Representatives, Senators, or in both capacities. convened on March 4, 1789, 12,415 individuals have served as Representatives, Senators, or in both capacities.
There have been 10,421 Members who served only as Representatives, 1,314 Members who served only in the There have been 10,421 Members who served only as Representatives, 1,314 Members who served only in the
Senate, and 680 Members with service in both chambers. The total number of Representatives (including Senate, and 680 Members with service in both chambers. The total number of Representatives (including
individuals serving in both bodies) is 11,101.” See also Senate Historical Office, individuals serving in both bodies) is 11,101.” See also Senate Historical Office, Senators of the United States, 1789-
present, at http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf. This information is updated , at http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf. This information is updated
once per Congress. once per Congress.
Notes: The House and Senate totals each include one woman who was elected but never sworn in. Delegates The House and Senate totals each include one woman who was elected but never sworn in. Delegates
and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico are not included in the data. As stated above, the data are as and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico are not included in the data. As stated above, the data are as
of January 3, 2021. of January 3, 2021.
As seen i As seen in Figure 3, 49 states (all except Vermont),8 4 territories (American Samoa, Guam, 49 states (all except Vermont),8 4 territories (American Samoa, Guam,
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia have been represented by Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the District of Columbia have been represented by
a woman in Congress at some time since 1917.9 a woman in Congress at some time since 1917.9
~~Four~~Three states ( states (~~Alaska,~~ Mississippi, North Dakota, and Vermont) have never elected a woman to the Mississippi, North Dakota, and Vermont) have never elected a woman to the
House. House.
Seventeen states have never been represented by a female Senator. Fourteen states have been Seventeen states have never been represented by a female Senator. Fourteen states have been
represented by one female Senator, 13 have sent two, and 6 states have sent three. represented by one female Senator, 13 have sent two, and 6 states have sent three.

8 Vermont, however, ranks among the top 10 states for percentage of women in state government. For additional 8 Vermont, however, ranks among the top 10 states for percentage of women in state government. For additional
information, see this report’s information, see this report’s “State-House Perspective” section and https://cawp.rutgers.edu/women-state-legislature- section and https://cawp.rutgers.edu/women-state-legislature-
2021. 2021.
9 Totals include one woman from South Carolina (House) and one woman from South Dakota (Senate) elected but 9 Totals include one woman from South Carolina (House) and one woman from South Dakota (Senate) elected but
never sworn in due to the House or Senate being out of session. never sworn in due to the House or Senate being out of session.
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Figure 3. Number of Women in the House and Senate by State, District, or Territory,
1917-Present
(Inclusive through (Inclusive through ~~August 25~~October 12, 2022; numbers include Delegates and the Resident Commissioner) , 2022; numbers include Delegates and the Resident Commissioner)

Source: CRS summary, based on House of Representatives, CRS summary, based on House of Representatives, Women in Congress, available at , available at
http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress/. http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-Congress/.
Notes: The 17 women who have served in both the House and Senate are counted in each tally. Also counted The 17 women who have served in both the House and Senate are counted in each tally. Also counted
are one woman from South Carolina (House) and one woman from South Dakota (Senate) who were elected are one woman from South Carolina (House) and one woman from South Dakota (Senate) who were elected
but never sworn in due to the House or Senate being out of session.but never sworn in due to the House or Senate being out of session.
How Women Enter Congress: Regular Elections,
Special Elections, and Appointments
Pursuant to Article I, Section 2, clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution, all Representatives enter office Pursuant to Article I, Section 2, clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution, all Representatives enter office
through election, even those who enter after a seat becomes open during a Congress.10 By through election, even those who enter after a seat becomes open during a Congress.10 By
contrast, the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified on April 8, 1913, contrast, the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified on April 8, 1913,
gives state legislatures the option to empower governors to fill Senate vacancies by temporary gives state legislatures the option to empower governors to fill Senate vacancies by temporary
appointment.11 appointment.11

10 “[W]hen vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of 10 “[W]hen vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of
Election to fill such Vacancies.” Article I, Section 2, clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution. Election to fill such Vacancies.” Article I, Section 2, clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution.
11 Prior to the ratification of this amendment, Senators were chosen pursuant to Article I, Section 3, of the Constitution. 11 Prior to the ratification of this amendment, Senators were chosen pursuant to Article I, Section 3, of the Constitution.
For additional information, see For additional information, see Direct Election of Senators, at http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/at http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/
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The 58 women who have served in the Senate entered initially through three different routes: The 58 women who have served in the Senate entered initially through three different routes:
 35 entered through regularly scheduled elections,  35 entered through regularly scheduled elections,
 18 were appointed to unexpired terms, and  18 were appointed to unexpired terms, and
 5 were elected by special election.12  5 were elected by special election.12
A As Figure 4 shows, approximately 70% (40) of all women who have served in the Senate initially shows, approximately 70% (40) of all women who have served in the Senate initially
entered Senate service by winning an election (regular or special). Approximately 30% of women entered Senate service by winning an election (regular or special). Approximately 30% of women
Senators entered the Senate initially through an appointment. Of the 18 women who entered by Senators entered the Senate initially through an appointment. Of the 18 women who entered by
appointment, 10 served less than one year. appointment, 10 served less than one year.
Since the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1913, nine years prior Since the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1913, nine years prior
to the first appointment of a woman to fill a Senate vacancy, 202 Senators have been appointed.13 to the first appointment of a woman to fill a Senate vacancy, 202 Senators have been appointed.13
Of these appointees, 91.1% (184) have been men, and 8.9% (18) were women.14 Of these appointees, 91.1% (184) have been men, and 8.9% (18) were women.14
Figure 4. Women’s Initial Entrance to the Senate: Regular Elections, Special
Elections, and Appointments to Unexpired Terms
(Inclusive through January 6, 2021) (Inclusive through January 6, 2021)

Source: Figure compiled by CRS based on descriptions in the Biographical Directory of the United States Figure compiled by CRS based on descriptions in the Biographical Directory of the United States
Congress (http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp). Congress (http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp).

briefing/Direct_Election_Senators.htm. briefing/Direct_Election_Senators.htm.
12 This includes one woman who was elected but never sworn in. 12 This includes one woman who was elected but never sworn in.
13 “Appointed Senators” list available at http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/13 “Appointed Senators” list available at http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/
senators_appointed.htm. senators_appointed.htm.
14 Total number of Senators since January 1, 1913, was derived from the Senate’s “Senators of the United States 1789- 14 Total number of Senators since January 1, 1913, was derived from the Senate’s “Senators of the United States 1789-
present: A chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789,” available at http://www.senate.gov/present: A chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789,” available at http://www.senate.gov/
artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf. Senators are listed by date of initial service. Members who served artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf. Senators are listed by date of initial service. Members who served
nonconsecutive terms are counted once. nonconsecutive terms are counted once.
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Women in Congress as Compared with Women in
Other Legislative Bodies
International Perspective
The current total percentage of voting female representation in Congress (26.9%) is slightly The current total percentage of voting female representation in Congress (26.9%) is slightly
higher than averages of female representation in other countries. According to the Inter-higher than averages of female representation in other countries. According to the Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), as of January 1, 2021, women represented 25.6% of national Parliamentary Union (IPU), as of January 1, 2021, women represented 25.6% of national
legislative seats (both houses) across the entire world. In the IPU database of worldwide female legislative seats (both houses) across the entire world. In the IPU database of worldwide female
representation, the United States ties for 67th worldwide for women in the lower chamber. The representation, the United States ties for 67th worldwide for women in the lower chamber. The
Nordic countries (Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, and Norway) lead the world regionally Nordic countries (Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, and Norway) lead the world regionally
with 44.5% female representation in national legislatures.15 with 44.5% female representation in national legislatures.15
State-House Perspective
The percentage of women in Congress is lower than the percentage of women holding seats in The percentage of women in Congress is lower than the percentage of women holding seats in
state legislatures. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, in 2021, 2,299, or state legislatures. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, in 2021, 2,299, or
31.1%, of the 7,383 state legislators in the United States are women. Women currently hold 561, 31.1%, of the 7,383 state legislators in the United States are women. Women currently hold 561,
or 28.4%, of the 1,972 state senate seats and 1,738, or 32.1%, of the 5,411 state house or or 28.4%, of the 1,972 state senate seats and 1,738, or 32.1%, of the 5,411 state house or
assembly seats.16 Across the 50 states, the total seats held by women range from 13.4% in West assembly seats.16 Across the 50 states, the total seats held by women range from 13.4% in West
Virginia to 58.7% in Nevada.17 Virginia to 58.7% in Nevada.17
Since the beginning of the 92nd Congress (1971-1972), the first Congress for which comparative Since the beginning of the 92nd Congress (1971-1972), the first Congress for which comparative
state legislature data are available,18 the total percentage of women in state legislatures has state legislature data are available,18 the total percentage of women in state legislatures has
eclipsed the percentage of women in Congress. The greatest disparity between the percentages of eclipsed the percentage of women in Congress. The greatest disparity between the percentages of
female voting representation in state legislatures as compared with Congress occurred in the early female voting representation in state legislatures as compared with Congress occurred in the early
1990s, when women comprised 6.0% of the total Congress in the 102nd Congress (1991-1992), 1990s, when women comprised 6.0% of the total Congress in the 102nd Congress (1991-1992),
but 18.3% of state legislatures in 1991. The gap has since narrowed. but 18.3% of state legislatures in 1991. The gap has since narrowed.
Female Election Firsts in Congress
  First woman elected to Congress. Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT, Representative Jeannette Rankin (R-MT,
1917-1919, 1941-1943). 1917-1919, 1941-1943).
  First woman to serve in the Senate. Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA) was Rebecca Latimer Felton (D-GA) was
appointed in 1922 to fill the unexpired term of a Senator who had died in office. appointed in 1922 to fill the unexpired term of a Senator who had died in office.

15 Inter-Parliamentary Union, 15 Inter-Parliamentary Union, Global and Regional Averages of Women in National Parliaments, as of December 1, , as of December 1,
2020, at https://data.ipu.org/women-averages. See also the archive of historical data at http://www.ipu.org/wmn-e/2020, at https://data.ipu.org/women-averages. See also the archive of historical data at http://www.ipu.org/wmn-e/
world-arc.htm. These data will be updated once per Congress. For statistics on women serving in the national world-arc.htm. These data will be updated once per Congress. For statistics on women serving in the national
legislatures of 192 countries, see the IPU chart at https://data.ipu.org/women-ranking; see also, Frank C. Thames and legislatures of 192 countries, see the IPU chart at https://data.ipu.org/women-ranking; see also, Frank C. Thames and
Margaret S. Williams, Margaret S. Williams, Contagious Representation: Women’s Political Representation in Democracies around the
World (New York University Press: New York, 2013). (New York University Press: New York, 2013).
16 Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), “Women in State Legislatures 2021,” 2021, Eagleton Institute of 16 Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), “Women in State Legislatures 2021,” 2021, Eagleton Institute of
Politics, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/levels-office/state-legislature/women-state-Politics, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, https://cawp.rutgers.edu/facts/levels-office/state-legislature/women-state-
legislatures-2021 (Accessed December 22, 2021). legislatures-2021 (Accessed December 22, 2021).
17 Ibid. 17 Ibid.
18 The Center for American Women and Politics provides data for state legislatures for odd-numbered years. 18 The Center for American Women and Politics provides data for state legislatures for odd-numbered years.
Congressional data show the maximum number of women elected or appointed to serve in a Congress at one time Congressional data show the maximum number of women elected or appointed to serve in a Congress at one time
during that Congress. during that Congress.
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In addition to being the first female Senator, Mrs. Felton holds two other Senate In addition to being the first female Senator, Mrs. Felton holds two other Senate
records. Her tenure in the Senate remains the shortest ever (one day), and, at the records. Her tenure in the Senate remains the shortest ever (one day), and, at the
age of 87, she is the oldest person ever to begin Senate service. age of 87, she is the oldest person ever to begin Senate service.
  First woman to succeed her spouse in the Senate and also the first female
initially elected to a full six-year term. Hattie Caraway (D-AR, 1931-1945) was Hattie Caraway (D-AR, 1931-1945) was
first appointed in 1931 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husband, first appointed in 1931 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husband,
Thaddeus H. Caraway (D-AR, House, 1913-1921; Senate, 1921-1931), and then Thaddeus H. Caraway (D-AR, House, 1913-1921; Senate, 1921-1931), and then
was subsequently elected to two six-year terms. was subsequently elected to two six-year terms.
  First woman elected to the Senate without having first been appointed to
serve in that body and first woman to serve in both houses of Congress. .
Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) was elected to the Senate and served from Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) was elected to the Senate and served from
January 3, 1949, until January 3, 1973. She had previously served in the House January 3, 1949, until January 3, 1973. She had previously served in the House
(June 3, 1940, to January 3, 1949). (June 3, 1940, to January 3, 1949).
  First woman elected to the Senate without first having been elected to the
House or having been elected or appointed to fill an unexpired Senate term.
Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R-KS, 1979-1997). Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R-KS, 1979-1997).
  First woman elected Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) served as Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) served as
Speaker of the House in the 110th and 111th Congresses (2007-2010), and again in Speaker of the House in the 110th and 111th Congresses (2007-2010), and again in
the 116th and 117th Congresses. the 116th and 117th Congresses.
  First woman to serve as President of the Senate. As Vice President of the As Vice President of the
United States (2021-present), Kamala Harris (D-CA) also serves as President of United States (2021-present), Kamala Harris (D-CA) also serves as President of
the Senate.the Senate.
Records for Length of Service
  Longest total length of service by a woman in Congress. Senator Barbara Senator Barbara
Mikulski (D-MD), who served from January 3, 1977, to January 3, 2017, holds Mikulski (D-MD), who served from January 3, 1977, to January 3, 2017, holds
this record (40 years, 10 of which were spent in the House). On March 17, 2012, this record (40 years, 10 of which were spent in the House). On March 17, 2012,
Senator Mikulski surpassed the record previously held by Representative Edith Senator Mikulski surpassed the record previously held by Representative Edith
Nourse Rogers (R-MA). Nourse Rogers (R-MA).
  Longest length of service by a woman in the House. On March 18, 2018, On March 18, 2018,
currently serving Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) surpassed the record currently serving Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) surpassed the record
previously held by Representative Edith Nourse Rogers (R-MA). Representative previously held by Representative Edith Nourse Rogers (R-MA). Representative
Kaptur has been serving in the House since January 3, 1983 (approximately 39 Kaptur has been serving in the House since January 3, 1983 (approximately 39
years).years). Representative Rogers served in the House for 35 years, from June 25, Representative Rogers served in the House for 35 years, from June 25,
1925, until her death on September 10, 1960. 1925, until her death on September 10, 1960.
  Longest length of service by a woman in the Senate. Senator Barbara Mikulski Senator Barbara Mikulski
also holds the record for length of Senate service by a woman (30 years). In also holds the record for length of Senate service by a woman (30 years). In
January 2011, she broke the service record previously held by Senator Margaret January 2011, she broke the service record previously held by Senator Margaret
Chase Smith (R-ME), who served 24 years in the Senate and 8.6 years in the Chase Smith (R-ME), who served 24 years in the Senate and 8.6 years in the
House. House.
Women Who Have Served in Both Houses
Seventeen women have served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Seventeen women have served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) was the first such woman, as well as the first woman elected to Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) was the first such woman, as well as the first woman elected to
the Senate without first having been elected or appointed to fill a vacant Senate seat. She was first the Senate without first having been elected or appointed to fill a vacant Senate seat. She was first
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elected to the House to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husband (Clyde Smith, R-ME, elected to the House to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husband (Clyde Smith, R-ME,
1937-1940), and she served from June 10, 1940, until January 3, 1949, when she began her 1937-1940), and she served from June 10, 1940, until January 3, 1949, when she began her
Senate service. She served in the Senate until January 3, 1973. Senate service. She served in the Senate until January 3, 1973.
African American Women in Congress
Twenty-eight African American women serve in the 117thth Congress, including 2 Delegates, a Twenty-eight African American women serve in the 117thth Congress, including 2 Delegates, a
record number. The 117th Congress began with 28 African American women, but one Senator record number. The 117th Congress began with 28 African American women, but one Senator
resigned in January 2021 to become Vice President of the United States, one Representative resigned in January 2021 to become Vice President of the United States, one Representative
resigned to become a Cabinet Secretary, one Representative arrived in a November 2021 special resigned to become a Cabinet Secretary, one Representative arrived in a November 2021 special
election, and another in a January 2022 special election. election, and another in a January 2022 special election.
A total of 52 African American women have served in Congress.19 The first was Representative A total of 52 African American women have served in Congress.19 The first was Representative
Shirley Chisholm (D-NY, 1969-1983). Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL, 1993-1999) was the Shirley Chisholm (D-NY, 1969-1983). Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL, 1993-1999) was the
first African American woman to have served in the Senate. The African American women first African American woman to have served in the Senate. The African American women
Members of the 117th Congress are listed iMembers of the 117th Congress are listed in Table 3.
Table 3. African American Women in the 117th Congress
(All are House Members) (All are House Members)
Alma Adams (D-NC) Alma Adams (D-NC)
Eddie Bernice Johnson Eddie Bernice Johnson
Lauren Underwood (D-IL) Lauren Underwood (D-IL)
Karen Bass (D-CA) Karen Bass (D-CA)
(D-TX) (D-TX)
Maxine Waters (D-CA) Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Joyce Beatty (D-OH) Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
Robin Kelly (D-IL) Robin Kelly (D-IL)
Bonnie Watson Coleman Bonnie Watson Coleman
Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
(D-NJ) (D-NJ)
Shontel Brown (D-OH) Shontel Brown (D-OH)
Barbara Lee (D-CA) Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Nikema Wil iams (D-GA) Nikema Wil iams (D-GA)
Cori Bush (D-MO) Cori Bush (D-MO)
Lucy McBath (D-GA) Lucy McBath (D-GA)
Frederica Wilson (D-FL) Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Gwen Moore (D-WI) Gwen Moore (D-WI)
Eleanor Holmes Norton Eleanor Holmes Norton
(D-FL) (D-FL)
Ilhan Omar (D-MN) Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
(D-DC) [Delegate] (D-DC) [Delegate]
Yvette Clarke (D-NY) Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)
Val Demings (D-FL) Val Demings (D-FL)
[Delegate] [Delegate]
Terri Sewell (D-AL) Terri Sewell (D-AL)
Jahana Hayes (D-CT) Jahana Hayes (D-CT)
Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Source: U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/
WIC/Historical-Data/Historical-Data—Nav/. WIC/Historical-Data/Historical-Data—Nav/.
Notes: Rep. Marilyn Strickland is also Asian Pacific American, and she is counted in both categories. The 117th Rep. Marilyn Strickland is also Asian Pacific American, and she is counted in both categories. The 117th
Congress began with one African American woman Senator, Kamala Harris; she resigned in January 2021 to Congress began with one African American woman Senator, Kamala Harris; she resigned in January 2021 to
become Vice President of the United States. In March 2021, Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) resigned to become a become Vice President of the United States. In March 2021, Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) resigned to become a
Cabinet Secretary, and was replaced by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) in November 2021. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-Cabinet Secretary, and was replaced by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) in November 2021. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-
McCormick (D-FL) was sworn in in January 2022. McCormick (D-FL) was sworn in in January 2022.

19 This number includes one former Senator, Kamala Harris, and one House Member, Marilyn Strickland, who are both 19 This number includes one former Senator, Kamala Harris, and one House Member, Marilyn Strickland, who are both
of African American and Asian ancestry. In this report, these two Members are counted as belonging to two ethnic of African American and Asian ancestry. In this report, these two Members are counted as belonging to two ethnic
groups. For additional information, see U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, groups. For additional information, see U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, Black Americans in Congress, at at
http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/BAIC/Black-Americans-in-Congress/, and http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/BAIC/Black-Americans-in-Congress/, and Asian and Pacific
Islander Americans in Congress, at http://history.house.gov/apa/. at http://history.house.gov/apa/.
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Asian Pacific American Women in Congress
Eleven Asian Pacific American women, a record number, serve in the 117th Congress.20 Patsy Eleven Asian Pacific American women, a record number, serve in the 117th Congress.20 Patsy
Mink (D-HI), who served in the House from 1965 to 1977 and again from 1990 to 2002, was the Mink (D-HI), who served in the House from 1965 to 1977 and again from 1990 to 2002, was the
first of 16 Asian Pacific American women to serve in Congress. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) is the first first of 16 Asian Pacific American women to serve in Congress. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) is the first
Asian Pacific American woman to serve in both the House and Senate. Asian Pacific American woman to serve in both the House and Senate.
Table 4. Asian Pacific American Women in the 117th Congress
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Judy Chu (D-CA) Judy Chu (D-CA)
Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)
Michelle Steel (R-CA) Michelle Steel (R-CA)
Young Kim (R-CA) Young Kim (R-CA)
Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)
Doris O. Matsui (D-CA) Doris O. Matsui (D-CA)
Aumua Amata Coleman Aumua Amata Coleman
Radewagen (R-AS) [Delegate] Radewagen (R-AS) [Delegate]
Grace Meng (D-NY) Grace Meng (D-NY)
Source: U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/
WIC/Historical-Data/Women-of-Color-in-Congress/ and http://history.house.gov/apa/. WIC/Historical-Data/Women-of-Color-in-Congress/ and http://history.house.gov/apa/.
Notes: Rep. Marilyn Strickland is also African American, and she is counted in both categories. The 117th Rep. Marilyn Strickland is also African American, and she is counted in both categories. The 117th
Congress began with one more Asian American woman Senator, Kamala Harris; she resigned in January 2021 to Congress began with one more Asian American woman Senator, Kamala Harris; she resigned in January 2021 to
become Vice President of the United States. AS = American Samoa. become Vice President of the United States. AS = American Samoa.
Hispanic Women in Congress
Twenty-four Hispanic or Latino women have served in Congress, all but one in the House, and 17 Twenty-four Hispanic or Latino women have served in Congress, all but one in the House, and 17
of them, a record number, serve in the 117th Congress. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL, of them, a record number, serve in the 117th Congress. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL,
1989-2018) was the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-1989-2018) was the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-
NV, 2017-present) is the first Hispanic woman Senator.21 NV, 2017-present) is the first Hispanic woman Senator.21
Table 5. Hispanic Women in the 117th Congress
(All are House Members except for Senator Cortez Masto) (All are House Members except for Senator Cortez Masto)
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto
Grace Flores Napolitano (D-CA) Grace Flores Napolitano (D-CA)
Linda Sánchez (D-CA) Linda Sánchez (D-CA)
(D-NV) (D-NV)
Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM)
Norma Torres (D-CA) Norma Torres (D-CA)
Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA)
Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)
Lori Trahan (D-MA) Lori Trahan (D-MA)
Veronica Escobar (D-TX) Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)
Mayra Flores (R-TX) Mayra Flores (R-TX)
Lucil e Roybal-Allard (D-CA) Lucil e Roybal-Allard (D-CA)
Jenniffer González-Colon (R-PR) Jenniffer González-Colon (R-PR)
Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) Sylvia Garcia (D-TX)
Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL)
[Resident Commissioner] [Resident Commissioner]
Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA)
Source: U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, at http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, at http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/
WIC/Historical-Data/Women-of-Color-in-Congress/. WIC/Historical-Data/Women-of-Color-in-Congress/.

20 This number includes one former Senator, Kamala Harris, and one House Member, Marilyn Strickland, who are both 20 This number includes one former Senator, Kamala Harris, and one House Member, Marilyn Strickland, who are both
of African American and Asian ancestry. In this report, these two Members are counted as belonging to two ethnic of African American and Asian ancestry. In this report, these two Members are counted as belonging to two ethnic
groups. groups.
21 For additional information, see U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, 21 For additional information, see U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, Hispanic Americans in Congress, at at
http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/HAIC/Hispanic-Americans-in-Congress/. http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/HAIC/Hispanic-Americans-in-Congress/.
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American Indian and Alaska Native (Native American) Women
in Congress
Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Deb Haaland (D-NM), both first elected to the 116th Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Deb Haaland (D-NM), both first elected to the 116th
Congress, were the first female enrolled members of federally recognized tribes to serve in Congress, were the first female enrolled members of federally recognized tribes to serve in
Congress. Congress.
They were reelected to the 117th Congress and were joined by Representative Yvette Herrell (R- They were reelected to the 117th Congress and were joined by Representative Yvette Herrell (R-
NM). NM). In September 2022, Mary Peltola (D-AK), the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress, was sworn into the House. Representative Haaland resigned in March 2021 to become Secretary of the Interior. Representative Haaland resigned in March 2021 to become Secretary of the Interior.
Women Who Have Served in Party Leadership
Positions22
A number of women in Congress, listed iA number of women in Congress, listed in Table 6, have held positions in their party’s ve held positions in their party’s
leadership.23 Current Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is second in the line of leadership.23 Current Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is second in the line of
succession for the presidency. She also served as Speaker in the 110th, 111th, and 116th succession for the presidency. She also served as Speaker in the 110th, 111th, and 116th
Congresses. In the 108th, 109th, and 112th-115th Congresses, she was elected the House Democratic Congresses. In the 108th, 109th, and 112th-115th Congresses, she was elected the House Democratic
leader. Previously, Representative Pelosi was elected House Democratic whip, in the 107th leader. Previously, Representative Pelosi was elected House Democratic whip, in the 107th
Congress, on October 10, 2001, effective January 15, 2002. She was also the first woman Congress, on October 10, 2001, effective January 15, 2002. She was also the first woman
nominated to be Speaker of the House. Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME), chair of the nominated to be Speaker of the House. Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME), chair of the
Senate Republican Conference from 1967 to 1972, holds the Senate record for the highest, as well Senate Republican Conference from 1967 to 1972, holds the Senate record for the highest, as well
as first, leadership position held by a female Senator. The first woman Member to be elected to as first, leadership position held by a female Senator. The first woman Member to be elected to
any party leadership position was Chase Going Woodhouse (D-CT), who served as House any party leadership position was Chase Going Woodhouse (D-CT), who served as House
Democratic Caucus Secretary in the 81st Congress (1949-1950). Democratic Caucus Secretary in the 81st Congress (1949-1950).
Table 6. Selected Congressional Party Leadership Positions Held by Women
Position
Member
Congresses
Speaker of the House Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
110th-111th, 116th-117th 110th-111th, 116th-117th
(2007-2010, 2019-present) (2007-2010, 2019-present)
Assistant Speaker Assistant Speaker
Katherine Clark (D-MA) Katherine Clark (D-MA)
117th (2021-present) 117th (2021-present)
House Democratic Leader House Democratic Leader
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
108th-109th, 112th-115th (2003- 108th-109th, 112th-115th (2003-
2006, 2011-2018) 2006, 2011-2018)
House Democratic Whip House Democratic Whip
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
107th (2001-2002) 107th (2001-2002)

22 For additional information, refer to CRS Report RL30567, 22 For additional information, refer to CRS Report RL30567, Party Leaders in the United States Congress, 1789-2019, ,
by Valerie Heitshusen. Limited information on the leadership positions held by women in Congress can also be found by Valerie Heitshusen. Limited information on the leadership positions held by women in Congress can also be found
inCRS Report RL30261, inCRS Report RL30261, Women in Congress, 1917-2022: Service Dates and Committee Assignments by Member, and
Lists by State and Congress, by Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick , by Jennifer E. Manning and Ida A. Brudnick
23 U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, “Women Elected to Party Leadership Positions, 1949–Present,” 23 U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, “Women Elected to Party Leadership Positions, 1949–Present,”
http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/Women-Elected-to-Party-Leadership/. http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/Women-Elected-to-Party-Leadership/.
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link to page 18 link to page 18 link to page 18 link to page 18 Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

Position
Member
Congresses
Chief Deputy Democratic Whip Chief Deputy Democratic Whip
Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
117th (2021-present) 117th (2021-present)
Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
117th (2021-present) 117th (2021-present)
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
114th-115th (2015-2018) 114th-115th (2015-2018)
Terri Sewell (D-AL) Terri Sewell (D-AL)
113th-117th (2013-present) 113th-117th (2013-present)
Diana DeGette (D-CO) Diana DeGette (D-CO)
112th-115th (2011-2018) 112th-115th (2011-2018)
Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) Janice Schakowsky (D-IL)
112th-117th (2011-present) 112th-117th (2011-present)
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D- Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-
112th-117th (2011-present) 112th-117th (2011-present)
FL) FL)

Maxine Waters (D-CA) Maxine Waters (D-CA)
106th-110th (1999-2008) 106th-110th (1999-2008)
House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair
Katherine Clark (D-MA) Katherine Clark (D-MA)
116th (2019-2020) 116th (2019-2020)
Linda Sánchez (D-CA) Linda Sánchez (D-CA)
115th (2017-2018) 115th (2017-2018)
Barbara Kennelly (D-CT) Barbara Kennelly (D-CT)
104th-105th (1995-1998) 104th-105th (1995-1998)
Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH) Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH)
100th (1987-1988) 100th (1987-1988)
House Democratic Caucus Secretar House Democratic Caucus Secretarya
Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH) Mary Rose Oakar (D-OH)
99th (1985-1986) 99th (1985-1986)
Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY)
97th-98th (1981-1984) 97th-98th (1981-1984)
Shirley Chisholm (D-NY) Shirley Chisholm (D-NY)
95th-96th (1977-1980) 95th-96th (1977-1980)
Patsy Mink (D-HI) Patsy Mink (D-HI)
94th (1975-1976) 94th (1975-1976)
Leonor Kretzer Sul ivan (D-MO) Leonor Kretzer Sul ivan (D-MO)
86th-87th (1959-1962), 88th, 2nd 86th-87th (1959-1962), 88th, 2nd

session-93rd (1964-1974) session-93rd (1964-1974)
Edna Flannery Kelly (D-NY) Edna Flannery Kelly (D-NY)
83rd-84th (1953-1956), 88th, 1st 83rd-84th (1953-1956), 88th, 1st
session (1963) session (1963)
Chase Going Woodhouse (D- Chase Going Woodhouse (D-
CT) CT)
81st (1949-1950) 81st (1949-1950)
House Republican Conference Chair House Republican Conference Chair
Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Elise Stefanik (R-NY)
117th (May 2021-present) 117th (May 2021-present)
Liz Cheney (R-WY) Liz Cheney (R-WY)
116th-117th (2019-May 2021) 116th-117th (2019-May 2021)
Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA)
113th-115th (2013-2018) 113th-115th (2013-2018)
Deborah Pryce (R-OH) Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
108th-109th (2003-2006) 108th-109th (2003-2006)
House Republican Conference Vice House Republican Conference Vice
Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)
113th-114th (2013-2016) 113th-114th (2013-2016)
Chair Chair
Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA)
111th-112th (2009-2012) 111th-112th (2009-2012)
Deborah Pryce (R-OH) Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
107th (2001-2002) 107th (2001-2002)
Kay Granger (R-TX) Kay Granger (R-TX)
110th (2007-2008) 110th (2007-2008)
Til ie Fowler (R-FL) Til ie Fowler (R-FL)
106th (1999-2000) 106th (1999-2000)
Jennifer Dunn (R-WA) Jennifer Dunn (R-WA)
105th (1997-1998) 105th (1997-1998)
Susan Molinari (R-NY) Susan Molinari (R-NY)
104th-105th (1995-Aug. 1997) 104th-105th (1995-Aug. 1997)
Lynn Martin (R-IL) Lynn Martin (R-IL)
99th-100th (1985-1988) 99th-100th (1985-1988)
House Republican Conference House Republican Conference
Virginia Foxx (R-NC) Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
113th-114th (2013-2016) 113th-114th (2013-2016)
Secretary Secretary
Barbara Cubin (R-WY) Barbara Cubin (R-WY)
107th (2001-2002) 107th (2001-2002)
Deborah Pryce (R-OH) Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
106th (1999-2000) 106th (1999-2000)
Barbara Vucanovich (R-NV) Barbara Vucanovich (R-NV)
104th (1995-1996) 104th (1995-1996)
Senate Republican Conference Chair Senate Republican Conference Chair
Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME)
90th-92nd (1967-1972) 90th-92nd (1967-1972)
Senate Republican Conference Vice Senate Republican Conference Vice
Joni Ernst (R-IA) Joni Ernst (R-IA)
116th-117th (2019-present) 116th-117th (2019-present)
Chai Chairb
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
111th (2009-2010) 111th (2009-2010)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
107th-109th (2001-2006) 107th-109th (2001-2006)
Assistant Democratic Leader Assistant Democratic Leader
Patty Murray (D-WA) Patty Murray (D-WA)
116th -117th (2019-present) 116th -117th (2019-present)
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

Position
Member
Congresses
Senate Democratic Conference Vice Senate Democratic Conference Vice
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
115th-117th (2017-present) 115th-117th (2017-present)
Chair Chair
Senate Democratic Conference Senate Democratic Conference
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
115th-117th (2017-present) 115th-117th (2017-present)
Secretary Secretary
Patty Murray (D-WA) Patty Murray (D-WA)
110th-114th (2007-2016) 110th-114th (2007-2016)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
109th (2005-2006) 109th (2005-2006)
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
104th-108th (1995-2004) 104th-108th (1995-2004)
Senate Chief Deputy Democratic Whip Senate Chief Deputy Democratic Whip
Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
110th-114th (2007-2016) 110th-114th (2007-2016)
Sources: U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, “Women in Party Leadership Positions, 1949-Present,” U.S. Congress, House, Office of the Historian, “Women in Party Leadership Positions, 1949-Present,”
http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/Women-Elected-to-Party-Leadership/; http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/Women-Elected-to-Party-Leadership/;
and CRS Report RL30567, and CRS Report RL30567, Party Leaders in the United States Congress, 1789-2019, by Valerie Heitshusen. , by Valerie Heitshusen.
a. The title of this position changed from “Secretary” to “Vice Chair” with the 100th Congress. a. The title of this position changed from “Secretary” to “Vice Chair” with the 100th Congress.
b. This position was previously known as the Conference Secretary. b. This position was previously known as the Conference Secretary.
Women and Leadership of Congressional
Committees
As chair of the House Expenditures in the Post Office Department Committee (67th-68th As chair of the House Expenditures in the Post Office Department Committee (67th-68th
Congresses), Mae Ella Nolan was the first woman to chair any congressional committee. As chair Congresses), Mae Ella Nolan was the first woman to chair any congressional committee. As chair
of the Senate Enrolled Bills Committee (73rd-78th Congresses), Hattie Caraway was the first of the Senate Enrolled Bills Committee (73rd-78th Congresses), Hattie Caraway was the first
woman to chair a Senate committee. In total woman to chair a Senate committee. In total
  2627 women have chaired a House committee (including select committees); women have chaired a House committee (including select committees);
 15 women have chaired a Senate committee (including select and special  15 women have chaired a Senate committee (including select and special
committees); committees);
 2 female Senators have chaired joint committees (one joint select committee, and  2 female Senators have chaired joint committees (one joint select committee, and
two joint committees related to service as chair of the Senate Rules and two joint committees related to service as chair of the Senate Rules and
Administration Committee);24 and Administration Committee);24 and
 4 female Representatives have chaired a joint committee (including one joint  4 female Representatives have chaired a joint committee (including one joint
select committee, and two related to service as chair of the Committee on House select committee, and two related to service as chair of the Committee on House
Administration).25 Administration).25
In the 117th Congress, women chair In the 117th Congress, women chair ~~six~~seven standing committees in the House, four standing standing committees in the House, four standing
committees in the Senate, and one select committee in the House. In addition, two women chair committees in the Senate, and one select committee in the House. In addition, two women chair
joint committees related to their service on standing committees. joint committees related to their service on standing committees.

24 For additional information, see CRS Report R46806, 24 For additional information, see CRS Report R46806, Rules Governing Senate Committee and Subcommittee
Assignment Procedures, by Michael Greene. , by Michael Greene.
25 Totals include standing, special, and select committees. Some women have chaired multiple committees. Multiple 25 Totals include standing, special, and select committees. Some women have chaired multiple committees. Multiple
sources were consulted for this tally. The sources consulted include “Women Who Have Chaired Congressional sources were consulted for this tally. The sources consulted include “Women Who Have Chaired Congressional
Committees in the U.S. House, 1923-present,” table of the Committees in the U.S. House, 1923-present,” table of the Women in Congress website, at http://history.house.gov/website, at http://history.house.gov/
Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/Women-Chairs-of-Congressional-Committees/; “Women in Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/Women-Chairs-of-Congressional-Committees/; “Women in
Congress: Leadership Roles and Committee Chairs,” at https://cawp.rutgers.edu/women-congress-leadership-Congress: Leadership Roles and Committee Chairs,” at https://cawp.rutgers.edu/women-congress-leadership-
committees; “Chairmen of Senate Standing Committees,” at https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/committees; “Chairmen of Senate Standing Committees,” at https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/
pdf/CommitteeChairs.pdf; and the entries for all the women who have served in Congress in the pdf/CommitteeChairs.pdf; and the entries for all the women who have served in Congress in the Biographical
Directory of the United States Congress, at http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp. , at http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp.
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Table 7. Committees Chaired by Women, 117th Congress
Committee
Chair
House Committee on Appropriations House Committee on Appropriations
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
House Committee on House Committee on Ethics Susan Wild (D-PA) House Committee on Financial Services Financial Services
Maxine Waters (D-FL) Maxine Waters (D-FL)
House Committee on House Administration House Committee on House Administration
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
House Committee on Oversight and Reform House Committee on Oversight and Reform
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
House Committee on Small Business House Committee on Small Business
Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)
House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
Kathy Castor (D-FL) Kathy Castor (D-FL)
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Transportation Transportation
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Patty Murray (D-WA) Patty Murray (D-WA)
Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Joint Committee on Printing Joint Committee on Printing
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Joint Committee on the Library Joint Committee on the Library
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Sources: “Women Who Have Chaired Congressional Committees in the U.S. House, 1923-Present” table of “Women Who Have Chaired Congressional Committees in the U.S. House, 1923-Present” table of
the the Women in Congress website at http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/website at http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Data/
Women-Chairs-of-Congressional-Committees/; and the “Committee Assignments of the 117th Congress” Women-Chairs-of-Congressional-Committees/; and the “Committee Assignments of the 117th Congress”
website at http://www.senate.gov/general/committee_assignments/assignments.htm. website at http://www.senate.gov/general/committee_assignments/assignments.htm.
a. Rep. Wild was appointed acting chair of the Committee on Ethics on September 30, 2022. See https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/93022-0. Pursuant to H.Res. 6 (116th Congress), as continued by H.Res. 8 (117th Congress), the Speaker of Pursuant to H.Res. 6 (116th Congress), as continued by H.Res. 8 (117th Congress), the Speaker of
the House appoints members to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. See also the House appoints members to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. See also
Charles W. Johnson, John V. Sullivan, and Thomas J. Wickham, Jr., Charles W. Johnson, John V. Sullivan, and Thomas J. Wickham, Jr., House Practice: A Guide to
the Rules, Precedents, and Procedures of the House (Washington: GPO, 2017), p. 241, Chapter 1, (Washington: GPO, 2017), p. 241, Chapter 1,
§1. §1.
Women in Congress: Examinations of ~~their~~Their Role
and Impact
As the number of women in Congress has increased in recent decades, and following the large As the number of women in Congress has increased in recent decades, and following the large
increase in women following the 1992 elections in particular, numerous studies of Congress have increase in women following the 1992 elections in particular, numerous studies of Congress have
examined the role and impact of these women. examined the role and impact of these women.
Central to these studies have been questions about the following: Central to these studies have been questions about the following:
 The legislative behavior of women in Congress, including whether the legislative  The legislative behavior of women in Congress, including whether the legislative
behavior of female Members differs from their male counterparts. For example, behavior of female Members differs from their male counterparts. For example,
what has the increase in women in Congress meant for descriptive representation what has the increase in women in Congress meant for descriptive representation
(i.e., when representatives and those represented share demographic (i.e., when representatives and those represented share demographic
characteristics, such as representation of women by women) and substantive characteristics, such as representation of women by women) and substantive
representation (i.e., representation of policy preferences and a linkage to policy representation (i.e., representation of policy preferences and a linkage to policy
~~outcomes)?26 This also includes examinations of whether women Members~~

~~26 The idea of “representation,” including its forms and variations, has long been debated among political scientists and~~
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

outcomes)?26 This also includes examinations of whether women Members sponsor more “women’s issues bills,”27 or speak more frequently on the House sponsor more “women’s issues bills,”27 or speak more frequently on the House
floor about women.28 These examinations also include questions regarding floor about women.28 These examinations also include questions regarding
whether there are any differences in roll call voting behavior between men and whether there are any differences in roll call voting behavior between men and
women Members of Congress, with a comparison of successive Members in the women Members of Congress, with a comparison of successive Members in the
same district, Members in the same party, Members in similar districts, or in the same district, Members in the same party, Members in similar districts, or in the
chamber overall, or a focus on certain policy areas (e.g., foreign or defense chamber overall, or a focus on certain policy areas (e.g., foreign or defense
policy).29 policy).29
 The “effectiveness” of female legislators, particularly in comparison to male  The “effectiveness” of female legislators, particularly in comparison to male
legislators. These studies have examined bill sponsorship and cosponsorship; legislators. These studies have examined bill sponsorship and cosponsorship;
women’s success in shepherding sponsored bills or amendments into law; women’s success in shepherding sponsored bills or amendments into law;
committee work; success in securing federal funds; consensus building activities committee work; success in securing federal funds; consensus building activities
and efforts to form coalitions; effectiveness while in the majority and minority; and efforts to form coalitions; effectiveness while in the majority and minority;
and their impact on the institution overall.30 and their impact on the institution overall.30

26 The idea of “representation,” including its forms and variations, has long been debated among political scientists and political theorists. For a discussion, see Hanna F. Pitkin, political theorists. For a discussion, see Hanna F. Pitkin, The Concept of Representation (Berkeley, CA: University of (Berkeley, CA: University of
California Press, 1967). California Press, 1967).
27 Studies characterize “women’s issues” differently, and there is no universally accepted definition. See Beth 27 Studies characterize “women’s issues” differently, and there is no universally accepted definition. See Beth
Reingold, “Women as Office Holders: Descriptive and Substantive Representation,” paper presented at the Political Reingold, “Women as Office Holders: Descriptive and Substantive Representation,” paper presented at the Political
Women and American Democracy Conference, University of Notre Dame, May 25-27, 2006, p. 6; and Victoria A. Women and American Democracy Conference, University of Notre Dame, May 25-27, 2006, p. 6; and Victoria A.
Rickard, “The Effects of Gender on Winnowing in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Rickard, “The Effects of Gender on Winnowing in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Politics & Gender, vol. 12 , vol. 12
(2016), pp. 814-816. (2016), pp. 814-816.
28 See, for example, Mary Hawkesworth, Kathleen Casey, Krista Jenkins, and Katherine Kleeman, 28 See, for example, Mary Hawkesworth, Kathleen Casey, Krista Jenkins, and Katherine Kleeman, Legislating By and
For Women: A Comparison of the 103rd and 104th Congresses, Center for American Women and Politics, 2001, , Center for American Women and Politics, 2001,
available at http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/research/topics/documents/CongReport103-104.pdf; Kathryn Pearson and available at http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/research/topics/documents/CongReport103-104.pdf; Kathryn Pearson and
Logan Dancey, “Elevating Women’s Voices in Congress: Speech Participation in the House of Representatives,” Logan Dancey, “Elevating Women’s Voices in Congress: Speech Participation in the House of Representatives,”
Political Research Quarterly, vol. 64 (December 2011), pp. 910-923; Kathryn Pearson and Logan Dancey, “Speaking , vol. 64 (December 2011), pp. 910-923; Kathryn Pearson and Logan Dancey, “Speaking
for the Underrepresented in the House of Representatives: Voicing Women’s Interests in a Partisan Era,” for the Underrepresented in the House of Representatives: Voicing Women’s Interests in a Partisan Era,” Politics &
Gender, vol. 7 (December 2011), pp. 493-519; Kelly Dittmar, Kira Sanbonmatsu, Susan J. Carroll, Debbie Walsh, and , vol. 7 (December 2011), pp. 493-519; Kelly Dittmar, Kira Sanbonmatsu, Susan J. Carroll, Debbie Walsh, and
Catherine Wineinger, “Representation Matters: Women in the U.S. Congress,” New Brunswick, NJ: Center for Catherine Wineinger, “Representation Matters: Women in the U.S. Congress,” New Brunswick, NJ: Center for
American Women in Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (2017); Lisa American Women in Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (2017); Lisa
A. Bryant and Julia Marin Hellwege, “Working Mothers Represent: How Children Affect the Legislative Agenda of A. Bryant and Julia Marin Hellwege, “Working Mothers Represent: How Children Affect the Legislative Agenda of
Women in Congress,” Women in Congress,” American Politics Research, vol. 47, no. 3 (2019), pp. 447-470; and Kelly Dittmar, Kira , vol. 47, no. 3 (2019), pp. 447-470; and Kelly Dittmar, Kira
Sanbonmatsu, and Susan J. Carroll, Sanbonmatsu, and Susan J. Carroll, A Seat at the Table: Congresswomen’s Perspectives on Why Their Presence
Matters (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018). (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018).
29 See, for example, Michele L. Swers, 29 See, for example, Michele L. Swers, The Difference Women Make: The Policy Impact of Women in Congress
(Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002); Katherine Cramer Walsh, “Enlarging Representation: Women Bring (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002); Katherine Cramer Walsh, “Enlarging Representation: Women Bring
Marginalized Perspectives to Floor Debate in the House of Representatives,” in Marginalized Perspectives to Floor Debate in the House of Representatives,” in Women Transforming Congress, ed. , ed.
Cindy Simon Rosenthal (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2002), pp. 370-396; Jessica C. Gerrity, Tracy Cindy Simon Rosenthal (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2002), pp. 370-396; Jessica C. Gerrity, Tracy
Osborn, and Jeannette Morehouse Mendez, “Women and Representation: A Different View of the District?” Osborn, and Jeannette Morehouse Mendez, “Women and Representation: A Different View of the District?” Politics &
Gender, vol. 3 (June 2007), pp. 179-200; Jennifer Sacco, 2012, “Descriptive Representation of Men and Women in the , vol. 3 (June 2007), pp. 179-200; Jennifer Sacco, 2012, “Descriptive Representation of Men and Women in the
110th and 111th Congresses,” paper presented at the Western Political Science Association Annual Meeting, 110th and 111th Congresses,” paper presented at the Western Political Science Association Annual Meeting,
http://wpsa.research.pdx.edu/meet/2012/sacco.pdf; Jocelyn Jones Evans, http://wpsa.research.pdx.edu/meet/2012/sacco.pdf; Jocelyn Jones Evans, Women, Partisanship and the Congress (New (New
York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2005); Michele L. Swers, “Are Women More Likely to Vote For Women’s Issue Bills than York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2005); Michele L. Swers, “Are Women More Likely to Vote For Women’s Issue Bills than
Their Male Colleagues?” Their Male Colleagues?” Legislative Studies Quarterly, vol. 23 (1995), pp. 435-448; Brian Frederick, “Are Female y, vol. 23 (1995), pp. 435-448; Brian Frederick, “Are Female
House Members Still More Liberal in a Polarized Era? The Conditional Nature of the Relationship Between House Members Still More Liberal in a Polarized Era? The Conditional Nature of the Relationship Between
Descriptive and Substantive Representation,” Descriptive and Substantive Representation,” Congress & the Presidency, vol. 36 (2009), pp. 181-202; Dennis Simon, , vol. 36 (2009), pp. 181-202; Dennis Simon,
“The Roll Call Behavior of Men and Women in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1937-2008,” “The Roll Call Behavior of Men and Women in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1937-2008,” Politics & Gender, ,
vol. 6 (June 2010), pp. 225-246; Brian Frederick, “Gender and Roll Call Voting Behavior in Congress: A Cross-vol. 6 (June 2010), pp. 225-246; Brian Frederick, “Gender and Roll Call Voting Behavior in Congress: A Cross-
Chamber Analysis,” Chamber Analysis,” The American Review of Politics, vol. 34 (Spring 2013), pp. 1-20; William Bendix and Gyung-Ho , vol. 34 (Spring 2013), pp. 1-20; William Bendix and Gyung-Ho
Jeong, “Gender and Foreign Policy: Are Female Members of Congress More Dovish than their Male Colleagues,” Jeong, “Gender and Foreign Policy: Are Female Members of Congress More Dovish than their Male Colleagues,”
Political Research Quarterly, vol. 73, no. 1 (2020), pp. 126-140; and Mary Layton Atkinson and Jason Harold Windett, , vol. 73, no. 1 (2020), pp. 126-140; and Mary Layton Atkinson and Jason Harold Windett,
“Gender Stereotypes and the Policy Priorities of Women in Congress,” “Gender Stereotypes and the Policy Priorities of Women in Congress,” Political Behavior, vol. 41 (2019), pp. 769-789. , vol. 41 (2019), pp. 769-789.
30 See, for example, Cindy Simon Rosenthal, “A View of Their Own: Women’s Committee Leadership Styles and State 30 See, for example, Cindy Simon Rosenthal, “A View of Their Own: Women’s Committee Leadership Styles and State
~~Legislatures,” Policy Studies Journal, vol. 25 (1997), pp. 585-600; Noelle Norton, “Transforming Policy from the~~
~~Inside: Participation in Committee,” in Women Transforming Congress, ed. Cindy Simon Rosenthal (Norman, OK:~~
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 The path that leads women to run for office, comparative success rates of female  The path that leads women to run for office, comparative success rates of female
compared with male candidates, and career trajectory once in Congress.31 This compared with male candidates, and career trajectory once in Congress.31 This
includes professional backgrounds and experience, barriers to entry, and includes professional backgrounds and experience, barriers to entry, and
fundraising;32 the so-called widow effect, in which many women first secured fundraising;32 the so-called widow effect, in which many women first secured
entry to Congress following the death of a spouse;33 and reelection efforts and entry to Congress following the death of a spouse;33 and reelection efforts and
influences on decisions regarding voluntary retirement or pursuing other office.34 influences on decisions regarding voluntary retirement or pursuing other office.34

Legislatures,” Policy Studies Journal, vol. 25 (1997), pp. 585-600; Noelle Norton, “Transforming Policy from the Inside: Participation in Committee,” in Women Transforming Congress, ed. Cindy Simon Rosenthal (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2002), pp. 316-340; Michele L. Swers, University of Oklahoma Press, 2002), pp. 316-340; Michele L. Swers, The Difference Women Make (Chicago: (Chicago:
University of Chicago Press, 2002); Laura W. Arnold and Barbara M. King, “Women, Committees, and Institutional University of Chicago Press, 2002); Laura W. Arnold and Barbara M. King, “Women, Committees, and Institutional
Change in the Senate,” in Change in the Senate,” in Women Transforming Congress, ed. Cindy Simon Rosenthal (Norman, OK: University of , ed. Cindy Simon Rosenthal (Norman, OK: University of
Oklahoma Press, 2002), pp. 284-315; Alana Jeydel and Andrew J. Taylor, “Are Women Legislators Less Effective? Oklahoma Press, 2002), pp. 284-315; Alana Jeydel and Andrew J. Taylor, “Are Women Legislators Less Effective?
Evidence from the U.S. House in the 103rd-105th Congress,” Evidence from the U.S. House in the 103rd-105th Congress,” Political Research Quarterly, vol. 56 (March 2003), pp. , vol. 56 (March 2003), pp.
19-27; Debra Dodson, 19-27; Debra Dodson, The Impact of Women in Congress (New York: Oxford University Press, 2006); Sarah Anzia (New York: Oxford University Press, 2006); Sarah Anzia
and Christopher Berry, “The Jackie (and Jill) Robinson Effect: Why Do Congresswomen Outperform Congressmen?” and Christopher Berry, “The Jackie (and Jill) Robinson Effect: Why Do Congresswomen Outperform Congressmen?”
American Journal of Political Science, vol. 55 (July 2011), pp. 478-493; Craig Volden, Alan Wiseman, and Dana , vol. 55 (July 2011), pp. 478-493; Craig Volden, Alan Wiseman, and Dana
Wittmer, “When Are Women More Effective Lawmakers Than Men?” Wittmer, “When Are Women More Effective Lawmakers Than Men?” American Journal of Political Science, April , April
2013, pp. 326-341, available at http://batten.virginia.edu/research/when-are-women-more-effective-lawmakers-men; 2013, pp. 326-341, available at http://batten.virginia.edu/research/when-are-women-more-effective-lawmakers-men;
Stella M. Rouse, Michele L. Swers, and Michael D. Parrott, “Gender, Race, and Coalition Building: Agenda Setting as Stella M. Rouse, Michele L. Swers, and Michael D. Parrott, “Gender, Race, and Coalition Building: Agenda Setting as
a Mechanism for Collaboration Among Minority Groups in Congress,” paper delivered for presentation at the a Mechanism for Collaboration Among Minority Groups in Congress,” paper delivered for presentation at the
American Political Science Association Meeting, August 28-September 1, 2013; Tali Mendelberg, Christopher F. American Political Science Association Meeting, August 28-September 1, 2013; Tali Mendelberg, Christopher F.
Karpowitz and Nicholas Goedert, “Does Descriptive Representation Facilitate Women’s Distinctive Voice? How Karpowitz and Nicholas Goedert, “Does Descriptive Representation Facilitate Women’s Distinctive Voice? How
Gender Composition and Decision Rules Affect Deliberation,” Gender Composition and Decision Rules Affect Deliberation,” American Journal of Political Science, vol. 58, no. 2 , vol. 58, no. 2
(April 2014), pp. 291-306; and Victoria A. Rickard, “The Effects of Gender on Winnowing in the U.S. House of (April 2014), pp. 291-306; and Victoria A. Rickard, “The Effects of Gender on Winnowing in the U.S. House of
Representatives,” Representatives,” Politics & Gender, vol. 12 (2016), pp. 807-834. , vol. 12 (2016), pp. 807-834.
31 See, for example, Jennifer Lawless and Kathyrn Pearson, “The Primary Reason for Women’s Underrepresentation? 31 See, for example, Jennifer Lawless and Kathyrn Pearson, “The Primary Reason for Women’s Underrepresentation?
Reevaluating the Conventional Wisdom,” Reevaluating the Conventional Wisdom,” Journal of Politics, vol. 70 (2008), pp. 67-82; Richard L. Fox and Jennifer L. , vol. 70 (2008), pp. 67-82; Richard L. Fox and Jennifer L.
Lawless, “Gendered Perceptions and Political Candidacies: A Central Barrier to Women’s Equality in Electoral Lawless, “Gendered Perceptions and Political Candidacies: A Central Barrier to Women’s Equality in Electoral
Politics,” Politics,” American Journal of Political Science, vol. 55, no. 1 (January 2011), pp. 59-73; Kathryn Pearson and Eric , vol. 55, no. 1 (January 2011), pp. 59-73; Kathryn Pearson and Eric
McGhee, “What It Takes to Win: Questioning ‘Gender Neutral’ Outcomes,” McGhee, “What It Takes to Win: Questioning ‘Gender Neutral’ Outcomes,” Politics & Gender, vol. 9 (2013), pp. 439-, vol. 9 (2013), pp. 439-
462; Daniell M. Thomsen, “Why So Few (Republican) Women? Explaining the Partisan Imbalance of Women in the 462; Daniell M. Thomsen, “Why So Few (Republican) Women? Explaining the Partisan Imbalance of Women in the
U.S. Congress,” U.S. Congress,” Legislative Studies Quarterly, vol. 40, no. 2 (May 2015), pp. 295-423; Kira Sanbonmatsu, “Women’s , vol. 40, no. 2 (May 2015), pp. 295-423; Kira Sanbonmatsu, “Women’s
Underrepresentation in the U.S. Congress,” Underrepresentation in the U.S. Congress,” Dædalus, the Journal of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, vol. , vol.
149, no. 1 (2020), pp. 40-55; and Sarina Rhinehart and Michael H. Crespin, “Women in Congress,” in 149, no. 1 (2020), pp. 40-55; and Sarina Rhinehart and Michael H. Crespin, “Women in Congress,” in New Directions
in Congressional Politics, ed. Jamie L. Carson and Michael S. Lynch, 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge, Taylor and , ed. Jamie L. Carson and Michael S. Lynch, 2nd ed. (New York: Routledge, Taylor and
Francis Group, 2020). Francis Group, 2020).
32 See, for example, Ashley Baker, “Reexamining the gender implications of campaign finance reform: how higher 32 See, for example, Ashley Baker, “Reexamining the gender implications of campaign finance reform: how higher
ceilings on individual donations disproportionately impact female candidates,” ceilings on individual donations disproportionately impact female candidates,” Modern American, vol. 2 (2006), pp. , vol. 2 (2006), pp.
18-23; Michael H. Crespin and Janna L. Deitz, “If You Can’t Join ‘Em, Beat ‘Em: The Gender Gap in Individual 18-23; Michael H. Crespin and Janna L. Deitz, “If You Can’t Join ‘Em, Beat ‘Em: The Gender Gap in Individual
Donations to Congressional Candidates,” Donations to Congressional Candidates,” Political Research Quarterly, vol. 63, no. 3 (September 2010), pp. 581-593; , vol. 63, no. 3 (September 2010), pp. 581-593;
Karin E. Kitchens and Michele L. Swers, “Why Aren’t There More Republican Women in Congress? Gender, Karin E. Kitchens and Michele L. Swers, “Why Aren’t There More Republican Women in Congress? Gender,
Partisanship, and Fundraising Support in the 2010 and 2012 Elections,” Partisanship, and Fundraising Support in the 2010 and 2012 Elections,” Politics & Gender, vol. 12 (2016), pp. 648-676. , vol. 12 (2016), pp. 648-676.
33 See, for example, Diane D. Kincaid, “Over His Dead Body: A Positive Perspective on Widows in the U.S. 33 See, for example, Diane D. Kincaid, “Over His Dead Body: A Positive Perspective on Widows in the U.S.
Congress,” Congress,” The Western Political Quarterly, vol. 31, no. 1 (Mar., 1978), pp. 96-104; Lisa Solowiej and Thomas L. , vol. 31, no. 1 (Mar., 1978), pp. 96-104; Lisa Solowiej and Thomas L.
Brunell, “The Entrance of Women to the U.S. Congress: The Widow Effect,” Brunell, “The Entrance of Women to the U.S. Congress: The Widow Effect,” Political Research Quarterly, vol. 56, no. , vol. 56, no.
3 (September 2003), pp. 283-292; and Danielle Lupton, Sahar Parsa, and Steven Sprick Schuster, “Widows, 3 (September 2003), pp. 283-292; and Danielle Lupton, Sahar Parsa, and Steven Sprick Schuster, “Widows,
Congressional Representation, and the (Ms.)Appropriation of a Name,” Congressional Representation, and the (Ms.)Appropriation of a Name,” unpublished manuscript, November 5, 2017. , November 5, 2017.
34 See, for example, Jennifer L. Lawless and Sean M. Theriault, “Will She Stay or Will She Go? Career Ceilings and 34 See, for example, Jennifer L. Lawless and Sean M. Theriault, “Will She Stay or Will She Go? Career Ceilings and
Women’s Retirement from the U.S. Congress,” Women’s Retirement from the U.S. Congress,” Legislative Studies Quarterly, vol. 30 (November 2005), pp. 581-596; , vol. 30 (November 2005), pp. 581-596;
and Jeffrey Lazarus and Amy Steigerwalt, and Jeffrey Lazarus and Amy Steigerwalt, Gendered Vulnerability: How Women Work Harder to Stay in Office (Ann (Ann
Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2018). Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2018).
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link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 link to page 24 Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

House
Nonvoting
Subtotal
Total
Total
Members
(Reps. and
without
with
(Del. and
Nonvoting
Nonvoting
Nonvoting
Congress
Reps.
RC)
Members)
Sens.
Members
Members
93rd (1973-1974 93rd (1973-1974)b
16 16
0 0
16 16
0 0
16 16
16 16
94th (1975-1976) 94th (1975-1976)
19 19
0 0
19 19
0 0
19 19
19 19
95th (1977-1978 95th (1977-1978)l
18 18
0 0
18 18
3 3
21 21
21 21
96th (1979-1980 96th (1979-1980)m
16 16
0 0
16 16
2 2
18 18
18 18
97th (1981-1982 97th (1981-1982)n
21 21
0 0
21 21
2 2
23 23
23 23
98th (1983-1984 98th (1983-1984)c
22 22
0 0
22 22
2 2
24 24
24 24
99th (1985-1986 99th (1985-1986)c
23 23
0 0
23 23
2 2
25 25
25 25
100th (1987-1988 100th (1987-1988)o
24 24
0 0
24 24
2 2
26 26
26 26
101st (1989-1990 101st (1989-1990)p
29 29
0 0
29 29
2 2
31 31
31 31
102nd (1991-1992 102nd (1991-1992)q
29 29
1 1
30 30
4 4
33 33
34 34
103rd (1993-1994 103rd (1993-1994)r
47 47
1 1
48 48
7 7
54 54
55 55
104th (1995-1996 104th (1995-1996)k
49 49
1 1
50 50
9 9
58 58
59 59
105th (1997-1998 105th (1997-1998)s
55 55
2 2
57 57
9 9
64 64
66 66
106th (1999-2000) 106th (1999-2000)
56 56
2 2
58 58
9 9
65 65
67 67
107th (2001-2002 107th (2001-2002)t
60 60
2 2
62 62
14 14
74 74
76 76
108th (2003-2004 108th (2003-2004)c
60 60
3 3
63 63
14 14
74 74
77 77
109th (2005-2006 109th (2005-2006)u
68 68
3 3
71 71
14 14
82 82
85 85
110th (2007-2008 110th (2007-2008)v
76 76
3 3
79 79
16 16
92 92
95 95
111th (2009-2010 111th (2009-2010)w
76 76
3 3
79 79
17 17
93 93
96 96
112th (2011-2012 112th (2011-2012)x
76 76
3 3
79 79
17 17
93 93
96 96
113th (2013-2014 113th (2013-2014)y
81 81
3 3
84 84
20 20
101 101
104 104
114th (2015-2016 114th (2015-2016)z
85 85
4 4
89 89
20 20
105 105
109 109
115th (2017-2018 115th (2017-2018)aa
88 88
5 5
93 93
23 23
111 111
116 116
116th (2019-2020 116th (2019-2020)bb
102 102
4 4
106 106
26 26
127 127
131 131
117th (2021-2022 117th (2021-2022)cc
~~125~~126
4 4
~~129~~130
26 26
~~151~~
~~155~~152 156
Source: CRS summary, based onCRS summary, based on http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-http://history.house.gov/Exhibition-and-Publications/WIC/Women-in-
Congress/. Congress/.
Notes: The column headings include the fol owing abbreviations: Representatives (Reps.), Delegates (Del.), The column headings include the fol owing abbreviations: Representatives (Reps.), Delegates (Del.),
Resident Commissioners (RC), and Senators (Sens.). Resident Commissioners (RC), and Senators (Sens.).
Three columns include numbers for the House: (1) the number of women Representatives, (2) the number of Three columns include numbers for the House: (1) the number of women Representatives, (2) the number of
women nonvoting Members (including Delegates and Resident Commissioners), and (3) the total number of women nonvoting Members (including Delegates and Resident Commissioners), and (3) the total number of
women in the House. women in the House.
Totals are also provided for (1) the number of women in the House and Senate not including nonvoting Totals are also provided for (1) the number of women in the House and Senate not including nonvoting
Members and (2) the number of women in the House and Senate including nonvoting Members. Members and (2) the number of women in the House and Senate including nonvoting Members.
For simplification, Congresses are listed in two-year increments. Pursuant to the 20th Amendment to the For simplification, Congresses are listed in two-year increments. Pursuant to the 20th Amendment to the
Constitution, which was ratified January 23, 1933, “the terms of Senators and Representatives [shall end] at noon Constitution, which was ratified January 23, 1933, “the terms of Senators and Representatives [shall end] at noon
on the 3rd day of Jan.” For specific dates, see “Dates of Sessions of the Congress, present-1789,” at on the 3rd day of Jan.” For specific dates, see “Dates of Sessions of the Congress, present-1789,” at
http://www.senate.gov/reference/Sessions/sessionDates.htm. http://www.senate.gov/reference/Sessions/sessionDates.htm.
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

a. Includes two House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator who was appointed to fil a. Includes two House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator who was appointed to fil
a vacancy. a vacancy.
b. Includes two House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. b. Includes two House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
c. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy. c. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy.
d. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator who was appointed to fil a d. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator who was appointed to fil a
vacancy. vacancy.
e. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy but not sworn in, one Senator who was e. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy but not sworn in, one Senator who was
elected to fil a vacancy but not sworn in, and one Senator who was appointed to fil a vacancy. elected to fil a vacancy but not sworn in, and one Senator who was appointed to fil a vacancy.
f. f.
Includes four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. Includes four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
g. Includes one Senator who was appointed to fil a vacancy. g. Includes one Senator who was appointed to fil a vacancy.
h. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy, one Senator who was appointed to fil a h. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy, one Senator who was appointed to fil a
vacancy, and one Senator who was elected to fil that vacancy. vacancy, and one Senator who was elected to fil that vacancy.
i. i.
Includes one House Member who died and one House Member elected to fil a vacancy. Includes one House Member who died and one House Member elected to fil a vacancy.
j. j.
Includes three House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. Includes three House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
k. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator appointed to fil a vacancy. k. Includes one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator appointed to fil a vacancy.
l. l.
Includes two Senators who were appointed to fil a vacancy. Includes two Senators who were appointed to fil a vacancy.
m. Includes one House Member-elect whose seat was declared vacant due to an incapacitating il ness, and one m. Includes one House Member-elect whose seat was declared vacant due to an incapacitating il ness, and one
House member who was elected to fil a vacancy. House member who was elected to fil a vacancy.
n. Includes three House Members who were elected to a vacancy. n. Includes three House Members who were elected to a vacancy.
o. Includes one House Member who died. o. Includes one House Member who died.
p. Includes four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. p. Includes four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
q. Includes one House Member and one Senator elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator who was appointed q. Includes one House Member and one Senator elected to fil a vacancy and one Senator who was appointed
to fil a vacancy. to fil a vacancy.
r. Includes one Senator who was elected to fil a vacancy. r. Includes one Senator who was elected to fil a vacancy.
s. Includes one House Member who resigned and four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. s. Includes one House Member who resigned and four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
t. t.
Includes one House Member who died and one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy and two Includes one House Member who died and one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy and two
appointed Senators. appointed Senators.
u. Includes three House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. u. Includes three House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
v. Includes four House Members who died and five House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. v. Includes four House Members who died and five House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
w. Includes two House Members who resigned, one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy, one w. Includes two House Members who resigned, one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy, one
Senator who resigned, and one Senator initially elected to the House and then appointed to the Senate. Senator who resigned, and one Senator initially elected to the House and then appointed to the Senate.
x. Includes two House Members who resigned and four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. x. Includes two House Members who resigned and four House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
y. Includes one House Member who resigned and three House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy. y. Includes one House Member who resigned and three House Members who were elected to fil a vacancy.
z. Includes two House Members who resigned and one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy. z. Includes two House Members who resigned and one House Member who was elected to fil a vacancy.
aa. Includes five House Members elected to fil a vacancy, one House Member who died, one House Member aa. Includes five House Members elected to fil a vacancy, one House Member who died, one House Member
who resigned, and two Senators appointed to fil a vacancy. who resigned, and two Senators appointed to fil a vacancy.
bb. Includes one House Member who resigned and one Senator appointed to fil a vacancy. bb. Includes one House Member who resigned and one Senator appointed to fil a vacancy.
cc. Includes two House Members who resigned, one House Member who died, cc. Includes two House Members who resigned, one House Member who died, ~~six~~seven House Members elected House Members elected to
to fil a vacancy, one Senator who resigned, and one Senator whose appointed term expired. In addition, one fil a vacancy, one Senator who resigned, and one Senator whose appointed term expired. In addition, one
House Member was sworn in after a delay in the certification of her election. House Member was sworn in after a delay in the certification of her election.
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

Table A-2. Number of Women Sworn in on the First Day of Congress
Congress
House
Senate
Total Congress
102nd 102nd
29 29
2 2
31 31
103rd 103rd
48 48
6 6
54 54
104th 104th
48 48
8 8
56 56
105th 105th
53 53
9 9
62 62
106th 106th
58 58
9 9
67 67
107th 107th
61 61
13 13
74 74
108th 108th
62 62
14 14
76 76
109th 109th
68 68
14 14
82 82
110th 110th
74 74
16 16
90 90
111th 111th
78 78
17 17
95 95
112th 112th
75 75
17 17
92 92
113th 113th
81 81
20 20
101 101
114th 114th
88 88
20 20
108 108
115th 115th
88 88
21 21
109 109
116th 116th
106 106
25 25
131 131
117th 117th
122 122
26 26
148 148
Source: CRS calculations based on descriptions in the CRS calculations based on descriptions in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
(http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp). (http://bioguide.congress.gov/biosearch/biosearch.asp).
Note: Includes Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner. The 117th Congress Includes Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner. The 117th Congress
number excludes one House Member who was reelected to office, but not sworn in until February 2021. number excludes one House Member who was reelected to office, but not sworn in until February 2021.

Author Information

Jennifer E. Manning Jennifer E. Manning
Ida A. Brudnick Ida A. Brudnick
Senior Research Librarian Senior Research Librarian
Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress

Acknowledgments
Linda Carter, Elli Ludwigson, and Cara Warner provided assistance. Colleen J. Shogan, formerly Deputy Linda Carter, Elli Ludwigson, and Cara Warner provided assistance. Colleen J. Shogan, formerly Deputy
Director and Senior Specialist, and Susan Navarro Smelcer, formerly an Analyst on the Federal Judiciary, Director and Senior Specialist, and Susan Navarro Smelcer, formerly an Analyst on the Federal Judiciary,
were former coauthors of this report.were former coauthors of this report.
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Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
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