WICP100 — The four women elected to the California Assembly in 1918
1918 – Present

100 Years of Women in California Politics

From the first four women elected in 1918 to the 206 who have followed, this is their history — and it belongs to all of California.

First 4

The first four women elected to the California Legislature — 1918

Where It Began

1918 — Four Women Break the Barrier

In 1918, four women with ties to UC Berkeley broke through the glass ceiling that had blocked women from being elected to the California Assembly. Elected on August 27, 1918, they took the oath of office and began serving on January 8, 1919.

  • — Assembly, Sacramento County (#1)
  • — Assembly, Sacramento County (#2)
  • — Assembly, Los Angeles County (#3)
  • — Assembly, Alameda County (#4)

Their election launched a century of women’s service in California government. Today, 206 women have followed in their footsteps.

Key Milestones

A Century of Firsts

1911

California Women Win the Vote

California women gain voting rights nine years before the 19th Amendment extended suffrage nationwide in 1920.

1918

First Women Elected to the Legislature

Esto Broughton, Grace Dorris, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna Saylor become the first women elected to the California Assembly.

1974

March Fong Eu Elected Secretary of State

March Fong Eu becomes California’s first female Secretary of State, serving until 1994.

1985

Women’s Caucus Officially Recognized

The bipartisan California Women’s Caucus is officially recognized by the Joint Rules Committee. Teresa Hughes is elected as its first chairwoman. Fourteen women form the founding membership.

2018

Centennial Celebration

WICP100 hosts a landmark event honoring 100 years of women in California politics, bringing together former legislators, historians, and civic leaders from across the state.