Sarah T. Hughes: Her Influence in Texas Politics

Conservative males traditionally dominated Texas politics. In 1930, however, Sarah T. Hughes, a liberal woman from Maryland, began a spectacular career in state politics despite obstacles because of her gender and progressive ideas. First elected to the Texas Legislature in 1930, she remained active in politics for the next fifty years. Hard work, intelligence, and ability allowed her to form solid friendships with Texas's most powerful politicians. She became the first woman in Texas to hold a district judgeship, the first woman from Texas appointed to the federal bench, and the only woman to swear in a U.S. president. Hughes profoundly influenced state politics, challenging the long-standing conservative male domination. She helped to create a more diverse political field that today encompasses different ideologies and both genders.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2000

Author dc:creator

• Justiss, Charnita Spring

Contributors dc:contributor

• Marcello, Ronald E.
• Hagler, D. Harland
• Seligmann, Gustav L.

• Hughes, Sarah T. (Sarah Tilghman), 1896-
• Texas -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950.
• Texas -- Politics and government -- 1951-
• Women in politics -- Texas.
• political diversity
• Texas politics
• gender
• progressivism
• federal bench

Statement dc:rights

• Use restricted to UNT Community
• Copyright
• Justiss, Charnita Spring
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 47670321
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2674/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2674

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2674