Women in the Wisconsin Legislature

1

The number of women who have been named President of the Senate. Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) was recently elected by the Republican caucus as the first woman to serve in the post.

22

Percentage of women in the state Assembly (22 of 99 seats).

25

The percentage of women in the Wisconsin Legislature in 2015 (33 of 132 seats).

33

Percentage of women in the state Senate in 2015 (11 of 33 seats).

1925

The year women were first elected to serve as state “assemblymen.” Three women – all teachers – were elected to serve that year: Mildred Barber, a Republican from Marathon County; Hellen M. Brooks, a Republican representing Green and Waushara counties; and Helen F. Thompson, a Republican from Price County who served two terms.

1975

The year a woman was first elected to the state Senate; Democrat Kathryn “Katie” Morrison, an economics professor at UW-Platteville, served one term.

1989

The year with the highest number of women serving in the legislature, with a total of 38 seats in both houses, or 29 percent.

Sources: Wisconsin Women’s Council, womenscouncil.wi.gov; wisconsin.gov