Percentage of Women in State Legislatures

In 2009, a record 1,793 women serve in state legislatures (24.3% of the 7,382 total legislators).  In twelve states, 30% or more of the state legislators were women.  Three states: Colorado, New Hampshire, and Vermont have over 35% women state legislators. The New Hampshire state senate is the first state legislative chamber to have a female majority with 13 women and 11 men.  In five states, fewer than 15% of the state legislators are women.  The South Carolina state senate is the only state legislative chamber to have no women.

After 25 years of growth in the representation of women in state legislatures, for the last ten years, the percentage of women has leveled off without ever reaching 25% overall.

Percentage of Women in State Legislatures

Women Leading State Legislatures

State by State Historical Summaries

Sources: Women's Legislative Network of the National Council of State Legislatures;

Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University

© 2009 - Equal Representation
in Government and Democracy

Equal Representation –The Essence of Democracy                       Updated 2009-05-19