History of Women in the Colorado Legislature
Women who served in the Colorado House of Representatives
Women who served in the Colorado Senate
Key dates:
- In 1893 Colorado became the first state to give women the right to vote through a popular election. Obviously, that means a majority of male voters chose to give women the right to vote. Having the right to vote set the stage for women to run for public office.
- In 1894, during the first statewide election that allowed women to vote in Colorado, three women were elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. These were the first women to serve in any state legislature in the United States.
- In 1895 Colorado swore in the first women to serve in any state legislature. Joining the state House of Representatives were: Clara Cressingham, Carrie Holly and Frances Klock.
- Dr. Elizabeth Cassidy became a Denver County Commissioner in 1910. Some sources say she was the nation’s first female county commissioner. Prior to becoming county commissioner, Dr. Cassidy served as the county physician. A contemporary historian wrote: “Her efforts and influence are always on the side of progress, reform and improvement.”
- In 1912 Helen Ring Robinson became the first woman elected to the state Senate.
- During the first 50 years that women were able to vote and serve in public office in Colorado (1895-1945), 30 women served in the House and three served in the Senate. During the next 50 years (1945-1994), 101 women served in the House and 23 women served in the Senate. Since 1995, 115 women have served in the state House and 47 women have served in the state Senate. (numbers won’t add up to the 266 that have served due to overlaps in years)
