Colorado Leads the Nation in Women Serving in the State Legislature

By Kathy Groob

Colorado was the country’s first state to elect women to its legislative body and is breaking records again. With the highest percentage of women serving in their state legislature, Colorado leads the nation with 40% of their 100-member House and Senate being females.  In 1894 Colorado pioneered women serving in public legislative office decades before women even had the right to vote. (Nationally the average percentage of women serving in state legislatures is 24.2%.)

Not only have women made tremendous gains in the legislature, they are now holding leadership positions.  Senate Caucus Chair, Suzanne Williams points to strong support systems and organizations as the key to their success in electing women.  “Our Western message of equality allows us to trail blaze the area of women’s equality,” said Senator Williams.  “We are the first and only state to have African-American leadership in both Senate and House.  Our history shows we value independent thought and equality of opportunity.”

The majority of the gains for women have been among Democrats. Democratic women in the Senate are in the majority 12 to 9. There is one Republican woman in the Senate.  In the House, there are 26 women — 18 Democrats and 8 Republicans.

While Colorado’s legislature is heavily focused on economic issues and job creation, Senator Williams believes that there is diversity in the body that brings greater variety to the perspectives that are a part of the law-making process and ultimately to the decisions that are made. “It means an array of voices and experiences are represented. I think it’s important to recognize the great value in this point,” said Williams.

Senator Williams and her colleagues will remain focused on helping more women run for office and serve in the legislature. “I see women continuing to impact public policy and moving into elected office to serve.  We will continue to help and guide women running for office through mentorship and support. The fact that we are here and serve as visual role models for other women has a multitude of benefits for women that will help to continue the trend,” said Suzanne Williams.

COLORADO LEGISLATURE BY THE NUMBERS

SENATE (35 members)

21 Democrats – 12 women

14 Republicans –  1 woman

HOUSE (65 members)

38 Democrats – 19 women

27 Republicans – 8 women

For more information about Colorado’s women in the legislature, contact Makisha T. Boothe 
Deputy Legislative Director
 Colorado Senate Democrats
 State Capitol Building 
Room 249
 Denver, CO 80203
 Capitol: (303) 866-3344
.

Visit Senator Suzanne Williams campaign website at: http://www.sensuzannewilliams.com/