On August 2, Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH) won a special election to fill the seat of former Rep. Rob Portman, who was appointed U.S. Trade Representative.
With her election, the total number of House women serving in the 109th Congress increases to an all-time high of 70. Three women serve as Delegates, and there are 24 Republicans and 46 Democrats. Fourteen women serve in the Senate.
Rep. Schmidt is the first woman ever elected to represent southern Ohio in Congress. A native of Ohio, Rep. Schmidt served for two terms in the Ohio State House. She also served 10 years as a Miami Township trustee.
