The 119th Congress sees a slight decrease in women's representation, but several new members are poised to make a significant impact. This article highlights some of the freshmen lawmakers who are already gaining attention for their leadership, diverse backgrounds, and policy priorities.
The 119th Congress , which officially kicked off on January 3rd, marks the first since 2016 with a decrease in women's representation. A slight decline of 150 women will serve, down from the 151 who held office on Election Day. Of these lawmakers, 21 (18 House representatives and three senators) are being sworn in for the first time. While seniority often dictates the course in the halls of Congress , history has shown numerous freshmen making their mark. Rep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a former bartender from Queens, quickly became a prominent figure in American politics in 2019. She amassed a large social media following, starred in a Netflix documentary, and even graced magazine covers. Similarly, in 1987, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, at the age of 47, made such a profound impression in her first week of Congress that her colleague, Rep. George Miller, remarked on her remarkable presence.As the new Congressional calendar commences, several newcomers have the potential to emulate the successes of Ocasio-Cortez, Pelosi, and Harris. In the House, Yassamin Ansari, a Democratic representative from Arizona's 3rd district, has already established herself as a rising star. Elected as the House Democrats' freshman class president, Ansari, at 32 years old, is the youngest new member of Congress. In a Congress notably older than the last, with a tendency to elevate older members to higher ranks, Ansari's leadership role provides a rare voice of authority to an underrepresented generation.Further enriching the diversity of perspectives in Congress is Sarah McBride, Delaware's at-large representative. As the first openly transgender member of Congress, McBride's leadership ensures that, for at least the next two years, a member of the transgender community will be able to vote on the increasing number of anti-trans bills at the federal level. Not all of McBride's colleagues have welcomed her representation: Before even arriving in Congress, McBride faced criticism from South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace. Rep. Julie Johnson, representing Texas's 32nd congressional district, becomes Congress's first LGBTQ+ member from the South. The former trial lawyer previously served in the Texas Legislature, where she gained recognition as a member of the minority party, successfully getting at least 40 bills she co-sponsored or authored signed into law. Deemed 'Freshman of the Year' by her peers, Johnson is poised to make a significant impact in her new role. Lateefah Simon, representing California's 12th congressional district, steps into her role with high aspirations and expectations from both constituents and peers. Simon won the race for Barbara Lee's open East Bay seat, a district known for pushing progressive Democratic legislation. Born legally blind, Simon is a longtime public transportation rider and previously served on the Bay Area Rapid Transit board of directors. She passionately voiced the need for accessible transportation and affordable housing during her campaign. One freshman who has already secured a coveted committee spot is Julie Fedorchak, the Republican representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district. Fedorchak was chosen to serve on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee (ECC), a rare feat for a freshman. No freshman has been selected for the committee since 2015. The ECC, a standing legislative committee in the House, has a uniquely broad purview, making it one of the most influential committees in Congress. Fedorchak earned this prestigious position thanks to her 12 years of experience serving as a utility regulator on the Public Service Commission.Of the three new women sworn into the U.S. Senate, Angela Alsobrooks is the only freshman entirely new to Congress. Her colleagues, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Elissa Slotkin, previously served in the House. Before entering Congress, Alsobrooks served as county executive of Prince George's County in Maryland
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