A Lady in the House

A Lady in the House

A brief comment notes that Jeanette Rankin is the first woman to have been elected to the House of Representatives.

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

A brief comment notes that Jeanette Rankin is the first woman to have been elected to the House of Representatives.

It remains to record briefly other features of this remarkable election. The most important is the composition of the House. Indications as we write are that here the Republicans will have a slight technical majority (probably of four to seven votes) over the Democrats, while the balance of power will rest with the Independents: a Prohibitionist, a Socialist, an avowed Independent, a Progressive, and a Protectionist. In the Senate the Democratic majority remains, though reduced in number. As a result of the election four more States have gone “dry.” viz Michigan, Nebraska, Montana and South Dakota. Woman suffrage was defeated in the only two States, South Dakota and West Virginia, that voted on the question, but as compensation suffragists have the return, from Montana, of the first Congresswoman in the person of Miss Jeanette Rankin. Socialists profess elation at an increase of some 25 per cent. in the vote for their Presidential candidate, which is estimated at between 1,200,000 and 1,500,000, as against 916,000 in 1912. The so-called “hyphen” vote, which was discussed with more heat and less light than any issue of the election, appears not to have done either candidate any particular good or any particular harm.

Support independent journalism that exposes oligarchs and profiteers


Donald Trump’s cruel and chaotic second term is just getting started. In his first month back in office, Trump and his lackey Elon Musk (or is it the other way around?) have proven that nothing is safe from sacrifice at the altar of unchecked power and riches.

Only robust independent journalism can cut through the noise and offer clear-eyed reporting and analysis based on principle and conscience. That’s what The Nation has done for 160 years and that’s what we’re doing now.

Our independent journalism doesn’t allow injustice to go unnoticed or unchallenged—nor will we abandon hope for a better world. Our writers, editors, and fact-checkers are working relentlessly to keep you informed and empowered when so much of the media fails to do so out of credulity, fear, or fealty.

The Nation has seen unprecedented times before. We draw strength and guidance from our history of principled progressive journalism in times of crisis, and we are committed to continuing this legacy today.

We’re aiming to raise $25,000 during our Spring Fundraising Campaign to ensure that we have the resources to expose the oligarchs and profiteers attempting to loot our republic. Stand for bold independent journalism and donate to support The Nation today.

Onward,

Katrina vanden Heuvel

Editorial Director and Publisher, The Nation

Ad Policy
x