Harriett Woods: A Trailblazing Career in Missouri Politics
Harriett Woods stands as a pivotal figure in the political history of Missouri, breaking gender barriers and challenging the established political order of the late 20th century. From her early days in local government to her historic statewide victories, Woods utilized her background in journalism and television production to communicate effectively with voters and pave the way for future women in leadership.
Early Political Ascent
Woods began her journey in public service in 1967 as a member of the University City Council. After serving seven years in this local capacity, she was appointed to the Missouri Highway Commission in 1974 by Governor Kit Bond.
Her rise continued in 1976 when she was elected to the Missouri State Senate. This victory was a landmark achievement, as she became only the second woman ever elected to the state's upper legislative chamber. Her success was validated by the voters once again when she secured reelection in 1980.
The 1982 U.S. Senate Campaign
In 1982, Woods launched a high-profile bid for the United States Senate, challenging the incumbent Republican, John Danforth. Despite starting the race trailing in polls by more than 50 points after the primary, Woods leveraged her skills as a former television producer and newspaper reporter to close the gap. By mid-October, the race was a dead heat.
Her campaign was fueled by a strong grassroots movement under the slogan "Give them hell, Harriett!"—a nod to the phrasing used by supporters of Missouri's own Harry S. Truman. Woods demonstrated broad appeal, winning the heavily Democratic Kansas City area, rural southeastern counties, and the "Little Dixie" region of mid-Missouri, which was traditionally associated with conservative southern views.
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Challenges and the Narrow Margin
Despite her momentum, Woods lost the election by 26,000 votes, a margin of less than two percent. This was the closest U.S. Senate race of 1982. Analysts point to two primary factors for the loss: her strong support for abortion rights—which alienated rural voters and the Catholic population in St. Louis—and a significant funding gap.
Financial disparities played a decisive role. Danforth spent $1,849,025 compared to Woods's $1,193,966. Because nearly half of her spending occurred in the final weeks, she lacked the funds for substantial media buys at the end of the race, forcing her to pull her effective TV advertisements for a week.
The Legacy of EMILY's List
The narrowness of Woods's defeat had a national impact. The realization that a female candidate could have won with more early funding led to the 1985 creation of EMILY's List (an acronym for "Early Money is Like Yeast"), a political action committee dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women.
Statewide Success and Later Career
In 1984, Woods achieved a historic milestone by running for lieutenant governor. She won the election, becoming the first woman ever elected to a statewide office in Missouri. This victory was particularly notable as it occurred during a cycle where Republican John Ashcroft won the governorship and Ronald Reagan carried Missouri and 48 other states.
Woods returned to the U.S. Senate race in 1986 as the Democratic nominee, facing former Governor Kit Bond for the seat vacated by Senator Tom Eagleton. In another tightly contested battle, she lost by three percentage points. She continued to serve as lieutenant governor until 1989.
Key Facts
- First Woman: First woman elected to any statewide office in Missouri (Lieutenant Governor, 1984).
- Senate Pioneer: Second woman ever elected to the Missouri State Senate (1976).
- 1982 Margin: Lost the 1982 U.S. Senate race by fewer than 2% (26,000 votes).
- Funding Gap: Outspent by John Danforth by over $650,000 in 1982.
- Catalyst: Her narrow 1982 loss inspired the creation of the political action committee EMILY's List.
| Year | Position/Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | University City Council | Served 7 years |
| 1974 | Missouri Highway Commission | Appointed |
| 1976 | Missouri State Senate | Elected (2nd woman ever) |
| 1982 | U.S. Senate Race | Lost by 26,000 votes |
| 1984 | Lieutenant Governor | Won (1st woman in statewide office) |
| 1986 | U.S. Senate Race | Lost by 3 points |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Harriett Woods significant to women in politics?
She was a pioneer in Missouri, becoming the second woman elected to the State Senate and the first woman ever elected to a statewide office as Lieutenant Governor.
How did Harriett Woods influence the creation of EMILY's List?
Her narrow loss in the 1982 U.S. Senate race, attributed partly to a lack of early funding for media, highlighted the need for financial support for female candidates, leading to the formation of EMILY's List in 1985.
What factors contributed to her narrow loss in 1982?
The primary factors were her support for abortion rights, which was unpopular with rural and Catholic voters, and being significantly outspent by her opponent, John Danforth.
Which regions of Missouri supported Woods in the 1982 election?
She carried the heavily Democratic Kansas City area, the rural southeast counties, and the "Little Dixie" region of mid-Missouri.
What professional skills did Woods use to improve her campaign polling?
Woods utilized her experience as a journalist, newspaper reporter, and television producer to communicate her message effectively on TV, moving from a 50-point deficit to a dead heat by mid-October 1982.