January 12 in American History

January 12, 1932 — the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate

Hattie Caraway of Arkansas won a special election to the Senate, becoming the first woman elected to that body. She went on to win two full terms in her own right and to chair a Senate committee — quietly proving the job was hers to hold, not just to fill.

Common Questions

What happened on January 12 in American history?

In 1932: the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Hattie Caraway of Arkansas won a special election to the Senate, becoming the first woman elected to that body.

Why is January 12 significant?

Hattie Caraway of Arkansas won a special election to the Senate, becoming the first woman elected to that body. She went on to win two full terms in her own right and to chair a Senate committee — quietly proving the job was hers to hold, not just to fill.

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