Montana Honors Jeannette Rankin with a Dedicated Day

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte officially recognized April 2, 2025, as “Jeannette Rankin Day” in Montana, paying tribute to Jeannette Rankin’s monumental contributions to women’s suffrage and equal rights. During a ceremony in Helena, the governor highlighted Rankin’s unprecedented role as the first woman to ever serve in Congress and her instrumental efforts in advocating for women’s right to vote.

“Jeannette Rankin dedicated her life to pursuing equality for all Americans,” stated Governor Gianforte. “By becoming the first woman elected to Congress—before women even had the right to vote—she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women leaders.” Rankin’s political career notably began on April 2, 1917, when she was sworn into office.

Rankin was born in 1880 on her family’s ranch in Missoula County. A leader of the women’s suffrage movement, Rankin led the effort to make Montana the 11th state to grant women the right to vote. First elected to Congress in 1916, Rankin was the only woman to vote on legislation to give women the right to vote, a step among many that ultimately led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Karen Sterk, CEO of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, reinforced the significance of the proclamation during the event. “Jeannette Rankin is a name all Americans should know, and we are grateful to Montana for honoring her great life and impact,” she said. The foundation, initiated in 1976 with a bequest from Rankin’s estate, supports education for nontraditional women students through the Rankin Scholar Grants, which have issued over 2,539 grants nationwide, including awards to students in all seven Tribal Colleges and throughout the Montana University System.

The special day encourages all Montanans and Americans to reflect on Rankin’s enduring legacy and her contributions to both state and national history. The proclamation can be viewed online, providing insights into the historical significance and ongoing influence of Jeannette Rankin’s work.