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Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), Chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group, introduced a resolution last night honoring the accomplishments of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, a pioneer for women in politics who passed away on September 13, 2006 after a six-month battle with esophageal cancer.
"As the first female governor of Texas, Richards significantly broadened the diversity of the state’s government to include women and people of color," said Congresswoman Solis. "Richards was a role model for women in politics and because of her leadership, she paved the way for a new generation of female political leaders. The country will forever be grateful for her monumental contributions to this country."
The one-term governor, who was elected in 1991, made history by being the first woman elected in her own right to the top state post in Texas and the 12th woman elected governor in United States history. By the time Richards became governor, she had already been involved in state and local politics for years, holding the positions of state treasurer and county commissioner.
Richards declared her Governor's Administration the "New Texas." In the interest of diversifying the state government to better represent the population of Texas, 46 percent of Richards’ appointments were women, 15 percent were black, and 20 percent were Hispanic. In United States history only 29 women have been elected governor in just 21 states and one territory.
H. Res. 1050 was cosponsored by 20 members of the Democratic Women’s Working Group, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Vice Chair Lois Capps and members of the Texas delegation Eddie Bernice Johnson and Sheila Jackson Lee.
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