Ohio Women in the U.S. Congress
As of 2021, Ohio has elected 12 women to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Four of the congresswomen have been Black.
- Four of them have served in Ohio's state legislature.
Ohio has never elected a woman to the U.S. Senate. In 2022, three women ran in the primary, but none of them won.
"Will Ohio Ever Elect a Woman as US Senator?" - Cleveland.com, April 10, 2022, co-authored by Dr. Barbara Palmer, professor of political science and the founder and executive director of the CWPO, and Madelyn Pyles, undergraduate research fellow.
Congresswomen Meet with Baldwin Wallace Students
Former U.S. Representative Betty Sutton
In October 2014, BW students in Dr. Palmer's course, Women, Politics & Media, went on a field trip to Washington, D.C. and met with former Representative Betty Sutton to learn about her time in Congress and her new position as the administrator for the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur
In February 2013, Representative Marcy Kaptur spoke at Baldwin Wallace University about her experiences on the campaign trail and in Congress, and the importance of getting more women and young people involved in politics.
Ohio Women in the U.S. House of Representatives
Served 15 terms, 1940-69
First female representative from Ohio
Photo: Cleveland Public Library
Served 8 terms, 1977-93
One of the youngest women elected to Congress
Photo: Clerk of the U.S. House
Served 7 months in 1982
Completed term of her deceased husband
Photo: Clerk of the U.S. House
Served 20 terms, 1983-present
Currently the most senior woman in the U.S. House
Photo: Office of Rep. Kaptur
Served 8 terms, 1993-2009
Became the highest-ranking woman in U.S. House leadership
Photo: Ohio Congressional Archives
Served 5 terms, 1999-2008
First Black female to serve in the U.S. House from Ohio
Photo: Clerk of the U.S. House
Served 4.5 terms, 2005-2013
First woman to represent Cincinnati
Photo: Clerk of the U.S. House
Served 3 terms, 2007-2013
Youngest woman ever elected to Ohio House
Photo: Clerk of the U.S. House
Served 7 terms, 2008-2021
Created the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus
Photo: Office of Rep. Fudge
Served 1 term, 2009-11
Played a major role in 2010 Wall Street reform
Photo: Clerk of the U.S. House
Served 5 terms, 2013-present
First female minority leader in Ohio House
Photo: Office of Rep. Beatty
Served 1 term, 2021-present
First Black woman Chair of Cuyahoga County Democratic Party
Photo: Office of Rep. Brown