Historically dominated arenas, women have been missing from the glass ceilings of Texas politics for decades.
In 1925, Miriam “Massachusetts” Ferguson was Texas’ first female governor. Sixty years later, the Texans elected the second woman, Anne Richards, to rule the lonely star nation.
At the Congressional level, they are known for their strong female leaders, from U.S. Rep. Kay Granger to R-Fort Worth, to late Dallas Rep. Eddie Bernie Johnson to Eddie Bernie Johnson of Texas.
“It’s amazing to think about strong voices not just in Congress but in the world, Republican Party representing the Texas District 24, who has fought to acquire women in this position in the past, and now our strong voices are amazing,” said Beth Van Doin, a Republican.
“We have an incredible history here in Women’s History Month, but what I’m excited about is the history that women haven’t made yet, and as women, we need to make sure we can always make history.”
Despite being a freshman on the national stage, the first openly gay member from the South served in the Texas House of Representatives. Johnson replaced Colin Allred, who left his place to head to the Senate.
Of the 38 members of the 119 US Congress representing Texas, seven are women.
Jasmine croquet D-TX 30th, Monica Delacruz R-Tx 15th, Bess Vandeine R-Tx 24th, Veronica Escobar D-Tx 16th, Lizzie Fletcher D-Tx 7th, Sylvia Garcia D-Tx 29th, Julie Johnson D-Tx 32ndd
“I’m the first woman to hold this seat in Congress, and I think that’s really important. I need a female voice at the table,” Johnson said.
“I will be responsible for the next generation to make sure we are grateful and we are doing good,” said Van Doin, a Republican who represents parts of Dallas and Tarrant counties.
Before being re-elected for a third term in Congress, Van Doin served as regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during President Trump’s first term. Prior to that, she was Irving’s mayor and a member of the city council.
“We often come up with different opinions. I think it respects the individual and not just assumes who they are, but also respects what kind of party they are. What is important to them just looking at them?
Both representatives navigate the halls of parliament, so even if both of their opinions differ, they both offer similar take. They focus on policy, recognizing that they are laying the foundation for the next group of female leaders.
“You just need to make sure that women understand that they are role models and that they help other women. They look down and sometimes women can become their worst enemy, right?” Van Duyne said.
“Women still earn less than men. Women still can’t achieve presidency. Women are still underestimated by CEOs and opportunities, and we still have a really big gender discrimination issue in this country,” Johnson said.
In terms of achieving political equality in Texas, the Lonely Star Equality Project, which means equality for women in appointed and elected offices, said more expression is needed across the board.
“The Lone Star Parity Project has started eight years ago to track and analyze women’s data in Texas politics,” said Adrianna Maberry, co-founder of the Lone Star Parity Project, which began eight years ago.
“For example, there are positions like county clerks or collectors of the county tax evaluators, and all judges in Texas are elected. In these positions, women tend to represent 85% or 90% of the elected positions.
She said there weren’t enough women in all positions, such as the county commissioner and sheriff.
“So, to get a 50-50 representative in Texas that you really want to level out and achieve your day, you need to be in offices at all levels,” Maberry explained.
That’s part of why Van Doin created the “Iron Ladies Pack” to say it would help women like the others in politics get money to win the race.
“I don’t think women are necessarily better candidates, and even on the arena, I wanted to make sure that women who are stuck in very tough races have been raised a lot of money for them.
Johnson said, “Our (women) perspectives are different. Our problem-solving skills are much better in my opinion, but we look at the needs of our children differently, and we need to be really at the table and be part of a policy debate that affects women.”
Regardless of the party, both mothers said it was about inspiring the next generation.
“When you’re in a private environment, when you’re in a business environment, you’ll raise women who’ve just come to that industry, develop their careers, see your experiences and learn from them,” Van Doyin said.
“Why push yourself, move forward, become the leader you want to be. If you think you can make a difference in something, and if you think you can move forward, then do that. That’s my message,” Johnson said.
