New Mexico Makes History with Largest Female Legislative Majority in U.S.
In a historic moment, New Mexico has secured the largest female legislative majority in U.S. history, with women winning 60 seats in the state legislature. This milestone comes as a result of voters electing 11 additional women, both Democrats and Republicans, to increase female representation in the 112-member Legislature. While female state senators will still hold a minority of seats, with 16 out of 42, women are making significant strides in statehouse representation.
This achievement in New Mexico is part of a broader trend of increasing female representation in state legislatures across the country, fueled by movements like #MeToo and political engagement following the election of Donald Trump. The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University reports that the share of women in all state legislatures tripled from about 11% in 1980 to 33% going into the November election.
Among the incoming female legislators in New Mexico are Republican Nicole Chavez and Democrat Heather Berghmans, both of whom campaigned on issues important to their communities. Chavez, who has been a prominent advocate for crime victims, emphasized the importance of diversity of political values in the legislature. Berghmans, the youngest member of the Senate, focused on solutions to issues like homelessness and housing affordability.
This achievement in New Mexico marks a significant moment for female representation in state government, with women also dominating other top echelons of state government. As the Legislature prepares to convene in January, women in New Mexico are poised to continue making an impact in shaping policies and legislation.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com
