Where Iowa stands on women's representation in politics

Four women now represent Iowa in Congress, a record for the state.

• But the count slipped in the Iowa Legislature, where there are 43 women, two fewer than the record set in 2019.

By the numbers: Fewer women ran for seats in the Iowa Legislature in 2020. Last year, 33.6% of state legislative candidates were women, compared to 35.3% in 2018.

The trailblazers:

• Carolyn Campbell Pendray, a Democrat, became the first woman elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1928.
• Sen. Joni Ernst (R) became the first woman Iowa sent to Congress when she was elected in November 2014.
• Rep. Cindy Axne (D) was elected in the 2018 midterms.
• Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R) are the latest to join the club this year.

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