Catherine May

Catherine May

FIRST U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 1959-1971

  • An early career in radio took May to The Big Apple in 1945 where she produced the first Betty Crocker Show.
  • The Yakima native defeated wealthy farmer and Democrat Frank LeRoux in her bid for Congress by doorbelling and reaping the benefits of modest pudding sales.
  • May co-sponsored the federal Equal Rights Amendment.
  • After her service in Congress, May was appointed to the U.S. International Trade Commission.

"I wondered what womenwere screaming about when I went to Congress, because we had equal rights in the state of Washington for years."