Democrat Alma Adams will become the 100th woman in the 113th Congress after winning a special election on Tuesday to replace Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.), who became director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency earlier this year.
Because it was a special election, Adams will not have to wait until January to be sworn in. When that happens, it will be the first time Congress has ever had 100 women members concurrently serving.
Before Tuesday, there were 20 women senators and 79 congresswomen. The make-up of the 114th Congress will be determined after all of Tuesday's races are called, but the number is unlikely to stay at 100.
“Alma Adams is a trailblazer and champion for women and families who is now poised to make history as the 100th woman serving in Congress,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, a progressive PAC dedicated to electing women who support abortion rights.
“Working families need leaders like Alma, who will unapologetically fight to protect women’s reproductive healthcare access and economic security. And with the help of the EMILY’s List community – now more than three million members strong – Alma is on her way to igniting change in Congress.”
CORRECTION: An earlier version misspelled Rep. Mel Watt's last name.