Mapped: A look at America's women governors
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
At the stroke of midnight Kathy Hochul made history, becoming New York's first female governor. She promised to take a "fresh, collaborative approach" in state government.
Why it matters: The U.S. now has nine serving female state governors — tying a record set in 2004 and matched in 2007 and 2019.
- It's a notable moment, but still well shy of gender proportionality, AP notes.
The big picture: A century after some women gained the right to voice, 19 states — including Florida, Maryland and Virginia — still have never had a woman governor, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.
Just three women of color have ever served as a state governor.
- No Black or Native American women have ever held the position.
Of note: Two women — Sila María Calderón and Wanda Vázquez Garced — have served as governors for Puerto Rico and one — Lou Leon Guerrero — has served as governor in Guam, per the CAWP.
