Texas Women in Politics

After early promise with the election of Miriam Ferguson as the nation’s first female governor in 1924, women’s political parity in numerous offices and public service roles slowed dramatically. By 2026 though, women made up nearly 40% of Texas candidates filing for higher office thanks in part to the women’s movement of the 60s and 70s along with the momentum created by the presidential runs of women like Shirley Chisholm, Patsy Mink, Carly Fiorina, Hillary Clinton, and Kamala Harris.

At the Election 2018 exhibit, you can pore through the election trends provided by the Lone Star Parity Project in a data visualization of the 2018 and 2020 election cycles. Explore the data by gender, party affiliation, election level or judiciary candidates.
 

Trailblazing women by Texas county

Turn to the Texas Counties Map at the Leadership Hall to find information about 200 notable women. These women made strides in a variety of fields including education, history, arts, science, athletics and more.

You might just find one who shared your interests or someone who lived in your county!

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Visit the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall today or contact us for a guided tour.

We are part of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership in the Old Main Administration Building on the Texas Woman’s University campus. The Hall is on the entry level of the building, and accessible entryways are available on either end of the building.

Open 10 AM–4 PM Tuesday–Friday and by special appointment.
Closed on designated university holidays.

1210 Old Main Circle
Denton, Texas 76204
940-898-4573
leadership@twu.edu

Limited parking is available in spots designated for the gallery just south of Old Main Circle on Old Main Circle Drive.

Page last updated 12:32 PM, July 27, 2026