SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Women are underrepresented in elected offices across the U.S., but Illinois has some bright spots.
The state ranks sixth in the country for the percentage of female lawmakers serving in a Legislature, and women are mayors at more than a dozen municipalities in the state.
Here’s a look at Illinois women in elected office:
LEGISLATURE
Women make up about 32 percent of the General Assembly, holding 57 of the 177 seats. Colorado has the highest percentage of women in a legislature with 42 percent.
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MAYORS
Women are currently mayors in 15 municipalities.
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CONGRESS
Since 1921, Illinois has elected 62 women to the U.S. House.
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SENATE
Only one woman has been elected to the U.S. Senate — Carol Moseley Braun, who served from 1993 to 1999.
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GOVERNOR
Illinois is one of 23 states that have never elected a woman to the governor’s office.