Party gatekeepers have historically recruited men – not women – to run for political office. When actually recruited, women were often steered into races their party was certain to lose.
Our trailblazers began running for office beginning in the 1960s. Not surprisingly, many decided to run on their own rather than being recruited through the formal party or political apparatus.
In a couple of cases our trailblazers got their start by being appointed to a vacant office left by a loved one. For much of the 20th century such appointments were a key means by which women gained access to the halls of political power.
Hear how some of our trailblazers got their start in politics by clicking the links below.
Why not elect myself?
All of a sudden, I thought, ‘Why don’t I try to elect myself?’
Career highlights:
- First woman on the City Council of Reynoldsburg, Ohio
- First woman Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives
I could do that job
I came home and said… ‘I’m really tired of explaining what’s important for families….’
Career highlights:
- First member of the LGBTQ+ community in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate
- Elected to leadership positions in both chambers
I can do better than that
I thought, ‘Something’s wrong with this picture. I can do better than that.’
Career highlights:
- First woman Mayor of Toledo
We were able to overcome
My [late] husband had not finished his term…. I was appointed…. [I said] I would take the position… and then I would run.
Career highlights:
- First African American woman in the Ohio legislature
- Initially appointed to late husband’s seat in Ohio House of Representatives
- Subsequently elected for eight terms
I decided to run and see
He said… ‘You won’t be elected, of course. We’ve never had a woman.’
Career highlights:
- First woman to represent Morrow and Delaware Counties in the Ohio House of Representatives
- First woman on the Big Walnut Board of Education
Congress? I laughed!
I said, ‘Congress?’ And I laughed.
Career highlights:
- Longest-serving woman in the United States Congress
The Team Behind Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics
Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics is a collaboration between WBGU-PBS and Dr. Melissa K. Miller, Professor of Political Science at Bowling Green State University.
PHOTO CREDITS: Dayton Daily News, OGT / The Ohio Channel, USA TODAY NETWORK, The Blade
Updated: 06/30/2023 04:38PM