Political Progress for New England Women
Often considered to be a relatively politically progressive region of the country, New England has a mixed record when it comes to women’s political representation. Five of the six New England states rank among the top twenty states in the U.S. based on the proportion of women in state legislatures. At the highest level of elective office, Maine stands out for having two women in the United States Senate. Yet Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont have never sent a woman to the Senate. This mixed record of progress is also reflected within states themselves − New Hampshire and Vermont have the most women in their legislatures (37%) among the New England states but don’t fare as well as others in terms of women’s leadership in municipal governing bodies (17% and 20%). The Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy’s Political Progress for New England Women Project provides regularly updated statistics, analysis, and commentary on the status of women’s political representation and leadership across New England – intended to educate and foster action to ensure political equality in New England and beyond.
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley discusses the importance of women's leadership at the Program for Women in Politics & Public Policy 2009 graduation celebration.
| Percent Female Elected Officials in New England: Congressional, Statewide, Legislative and Municipal, 2009 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT | ME | MA | NH | RI | VT | |
| US Senate | 0 | 100% | 0 | 50% | 0 | 0 |
| US House | 20% | 50% | 10% | 50% | 0 | 0 |
| US Congress | 14% | 75% | 8% | 50% | 0 | 0 |
| State Senate | 22% | 23% | 30% | 54% | 21% | 33% |
| State House of Representatives | 39% | 31% | 25% | 36% | 23% | 38% |
| State Legislature | 32% | 29% | 26% | 37% | 22% | 37% |
| Municipal Governing Bodies | 25% | 23% | 20% | 17% | 21% | 20% |
| *These data reflect the November 2008 election results.
Sources: Center for American Women in Politics, 2008; Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy, 2009. |
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Click on Each State for Statistics, Analysis, and Commentary
Women and Elective Office: An Overview
At the Center's 2003 New England Women's Political Summit, Professor Anne Marie Cammisa discussed key factors that influence the election of women to office.
Madeleine Kunin
Former Vermont Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Madeleine Kunin remarks about the capacity of women to effect change.
Advancing Women in Politics
Former Portland Maine Mayor Karen Geraghty offers suggestions about advancing women in politics.
Political Equality for Women
Connecticut State Treasurer Denise Nappier discusses the importance of increasing women's economic, social, and political power.