Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month, and here in Nevada we have a lot to celebrate. Our state has been a national pioneer in women’s political leadership, and it is even bipartisian.

Nevada women have been shaping public life for more than a century. In 1914, Nevada women secured the right to vote—six years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Just months later, Sadie Hurst was elected to the Nevada Assembly, becoming the first woman to serve in the Nevada Legislature.

In 1935, Frances Friedhoff became the first woman appointed to the Nevada State Senate. Later, in 1966, Helen Herr became the first woman elected to that chamber. Nevada continued breaking barriers when Barbara Vucanovich became the first woman elected to represent Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Today, Nevada continues this legacy. Women such as Congresswoman Dina Titus and Susie Lee, Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto serve in Congress and help shape national policy.

Across Nevada, women continue stepping forward to lead. Senator Nicole Cannizzaro is running for Attorney General. Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui is running for Lieutenant Governor. Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is running for Governor. Senator Robin Titus leads the Senate Republicans.

Nevada is also making national history in representation. In 2019, Nevada became the first state in the nation to seat a female-majority legislature. Today, our Supreme Court and Court of Appeals also have female majorities, and Nevada leads the nation in the number of women of color serving in state legislatures. Leaders like Senator Dina Neal and Assemblywoman Selena Torres-Fossett continue to expand representation and bring new voices to the policymaking table.

Nevada’s story reminds us that progress is not accidental, it is built through courage, participation, and leadership.

The “herstory” of Nevada continues to unfold, and women across our state are still shaping the future of our communities, our democracy, and our shared public life.