#OTD20 | September 13, 1948
Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
September 13, 1948: A trailblazing moment in American politics as Margaret Chase Smith secures her place in history.
Smith is elected to the U.S. Senate becoming the first woman to serve in both the House and Senate.
Smith's candidacy faced deep-rooted gender bias, with critics questioning whether the Senate was the right place for a woman. In response to skeptics, she drew parallels between managing a household and managing public affairs.
Her victory shatters barriers and paves the way for more women in American politics. Margaret Chase Smith would serve in Washington across four decades, retiring in 1973.
Viewing Options
Learn more about the era in which Margaret Chase Smith served in Congress. It's chronicled in our curriculum-aligned film, Post-War Years, from AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY.
#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
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