Young Ella Grasso wrote, “It is not enough to profess faith in the democratic process; we must do something about it.” Her life and career embody her words.
Ella Grasso spent her life in her home state of Connecticut, and won her first election – to the General Assembly of the state – in 1952; she never lost an election thereafter. She became Secretary of State of Connecticut, and then served two terms in the U.S. Congress. She was elected governor in 1974 – the nation’s first woman elected state governor in her own right. She served as governor until illness forced resignation in 1980.
Ella Grasso, who overcame religious prejudice and sexism to succeed, was a champion for those who needed help, including minorities, women, young people, working people, and the elderly. She inspired affection and trust as she improved the state’s economy and created a more effective government.
