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20 Facts About The History Of Female Candidates In US Elections

Carlee Lovely

Written by Carlee Lovely

Modified & Updated: 30 Dec 2024

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Source: Cnn.com

The history of female candidates in US elections is a story of perseverance, courage, and groundbreaking achievements. From the bold move of Victoria Woodhull running for president in 1872 to Hillary Clinton's historic nomination in 2016, women have continuously pushed boundaries in American politics. Did you know that Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress in 1916? Or that Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to run for a major party's presidential nomination in 1972? These milestones highlight the significant strides women have made in politics, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and representation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Women have been breaking barriers in US politics for over a century, from the first female presidential candidates to diverse trailblazers in state and local offices.
  • Despite facing challenges, pioneering women have made significant strides in US politics, from running for president to breaking new ground in Congress, the Senate, and vice presidential roles.
Table of Contents
01Pioneering Female Presidential Candidates
02Women in Congress and the Senate
03Women in State and Local Politics
04Women in Vice Presidential Roles
05Early Female Candidates and Voters
06Diverse Female Candidates
07The Road Ahead for Women in Politics

Pioneering Female Presidential Candidates

Women have been breaking barriers in U.S. politics for over a century. Here are some trailblazers who dared to run for the highest office in the land.

  1. Victoria Woodhull: The First Woman to Run for President
    Victoria Woodhull declared her candidacy for president in 1872. Despite being ineligible due to her age, she made history as the first woman to formally run for the presidency.

  2. Belva Lockwood: A Trailblazer in 1884
    Belva Lockwood ran for president under the National Women's Equal Rights Party in 1884. Her campaign highlighted women's issues and encouraged political activism among women.

  3. Shirley Chisholm: A Trailblazing African American Candidate
    Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress, ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 1972. Her campaign aimed to spotlight the party's neglect of women, African Americans, and the working class.

  4. Lenora Fulani: A Pioneer for African American Women
    Lenora Fulani ran for president in 1988 and 1992 as the New Alliance Party nominee. She was the first woman and African American to appear on the ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

  5. Hillary Clinton: A Historic Presidential Nominee
    Hillary Clinton became the first woman nominated for president by a major party in 2016. Her nomination marked a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in politics.

  6. Charlene Mitchell: A Pioneer for Black Women
    Charlene Mitchell, a Communist Party member, was the first Black woman to run for president and receive valid votes in a general election. She garnered 1,076 votes in four states in 1968.

Women in Congress and the Senate

Women have also made significant strides in Congress and the Senate, breaking new ground and setting precedents.

  1. Jeannette Rankin: The First Woman Elected to Congress
    Jeannette Rankin, a Republican from Montana, became the first woman elected to Congress in 1916. She served two non-consecutive terms and was the only member to vote against U.S. involvement in both World Wars.

  2. Margaret Chase Smith: A Pioneering Senator
    Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman elected to the Senate in her own right. She served Maine in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for 34 years.

  3. Carol Moseley Braun: A Senatorial Candidate
    Carol Moseley Braun, an Illinois Senator, ran in the 2004 Democratic Party presidential primaries. Though she withdrew before the Iowa caucus, her candidacy marked another step toward greater female representation in politics.

  4. Rebecca Latimer Felton: A Judicial Pioneer
    Rebecca Latimer Felton became the first woman appointed to the Senate. Though her appointment was temporary, it was a significant milestone in female representation.

Women in State and Local Politics

Women have also made their mark in state and local politics, often being the first to hold various offices.

  1. Nellie Tayloe Ross: A Governor and Mint Director
    Nellie Tayloe Ross was elected governor of Wyoming in 1924, becoming the first female governor in U.S. history. She later served as director of the U.S. Mint for 20 years.

  2. Ella Grasso: A Governor Without Precedent
    Ella Grasso was elected governor of Connecticut in 1974, becoming the first woman to rise to her state’s highest office without having been preceded by her spouse.

  3. Florence Ellinwood Allen: A Judicial Trailblazer
    Florence Ellinwood Allen was elected Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1922, becoming the first woman elected to the highest court in any state.

Women in Vice Presidential Roles

While the presidency has been elusive, women have also made strides in vice presidential roles.

  1. Sarah Palin: A Vice Presidential Nominee
    Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska, was the second woman nominated for vice president by a major party. She was chosen by John McCain in 2008.

  2. Tonie Nathan: A Libertarian Pioneer
    Tonie Nathan, the Libertarian Party's vice presidential candidate in 1972, was the first woman to receive an electoral vote. She received one electoral vote via faithless elector Roger MacBride.

  3. Geraldine Ferraro: A Vice Presidential Nominee
    Geraldine Ferraro was chosen as Walter Mondale's running mate in 1984. Although the ticket lost, Ferraro's nomination marked another significant step toward greater female representation in national politics.

Early Female Candidates and Voters

Even before women had the right to vote, some were already making strides in politics.

  1. Laura Clay and Cora Wilson Stewart: Early Female Candidates
    Laura Clay and Cora Wilson Stewart received one vote each at the 1920 Democratic National Convention. They were the first women voted for as presidential candidates at a major party's national convention.

  2. The 19th Amendment: Granting Women the Right to Vote
    The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote. This milestone marked a significant shift in women's participation in politics.

Diverse Female Candidates

Women from diverse backgrounds have also made their mark in U.S. politics.

  1. Patsy Mink: An Asian American Trailblazer
    Patsy Mink, a Representative from Hawaii, was the first Asian American woman to run for president in the 1972 Democratic Party primaries.

  2. Charlene Mitchell: A Pioneer for Black Women
    Charlene Mitchell, a member of the Communist Party, was the first Black woman to run for president and the first to receive valid votes in a general election. She received 1,076 votes in four states in the 1968 election.

The Road Ahead for Women in Politics

The history of female candidates in US elections shows a journey marked by perseverance and groundbreaking achievements. From Victoria Woodhull's bold 1872 presidential run to Hillary Clinton's historic nomination in 2016, women have continually pushed boundaries. Jeannette Rankin's election to Congress and Shirley Chisholm's trailblazing campaigns highlight the diverse voices that have shaped American politics. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Women like Margaret Chase Smith, Nellie Tayloe Ross, and Geraldine Ferraro paved the way, but true equality in representation is still a work in progress. Each milestone, from the 19th Amendment to modern-day candidacies, inspires future generations to strive for greater political participation and leadership. The road ahead promises more breakthroughs as women continue to challenge norms and advocate for change. The journey is far from over, and the future holds endless possibilities for women in politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year did the first woman run for president in the United States?
Way back in 1872, Victoria Woodhull made history as the first woman to run for the presidency. Her campaign, though not successful, paved the way for future female candidates to step into the political arena.
Who was the first woman to win a major party's nomination for president?
In 2016, Hillary Clinton broke through a significant glass ceiling by becoming the first female candidate to secure a major party's nomination for president. Her candidacy marked a monumental moment in U.S. political history.
Have any women been elected vice president of the United States?
Yes, indeed! Kamala Harris made history in 2020 by being elected as the first female vice president. Not only that, but she's also the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president.
How many women have run for president in the United States?
Over the years, more than seventy women have thrown their hats into the ring for the presidency. This includes candidates from both major parties and numerous third-party and independent runs, showcasing a growing trend of female political participation.
What challenges have female candidates faced in U.S. elections?
Female candidates often encounter a myriad of challenges, including gender bias, less media coverage compared to their male counterparts, and difficulties in fundraising. Despite these hurdles, many have made significant strides in breaking down barriers and changing perceptions.
How has the participation of women in U.S. elections evolved over time?
From the early days of Victoria Woodhull's groundbreaking campaign to the historic candidacy of Hillary Clinton and the election of Kamala Harris, the role of women in U.S. elections has seen remarkable growth. Each election cycle brings increased female participation, both as candidates and as voters, signaling a steady shift towards greater gender equality in politics.
What impact do female candidates have on politics and society?
Female candidates bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the political landscape, often highlighting issues like healthcare, education, and family policies. Their participation encourages more women to engage in politics, either by running for office themselves or by voting, and helps challenge and change traditional gender norms in leadership and governance.

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