Women of Influence: The women of the Alabama Legislature

Women account for 52 percent of the population in Alabama, but when it comes to equal representation in Montgomery, the Yellowhammer State ranks among the bottom six states in the country for female representation in state legislature. Out of 140 members in the state legislature, there are only 22 female lawmakers. That’s a measly 15.7 percent.

Of those 22 women — 18 in the House of Representatives and 4 in the Senate — just three find themselves in chairmanships of the 53 standing committees in the two chambers. Two others serve in vice-chairmanships, and six Democratic lawmakers are ranking members in their respective committees.

While 2018 may have been dubbed the “Year of the Woman” in Alabama, politics, the state still has a long way to go to reach parity.

Women in the State House of Representatives

1. Louise Alexander
2. Barbara Boyd: Ranking minority member on the House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee; Ranking minority member on the House County and Municipal Government Committee; Ranking minority member on the House Rules Committee
3. Adline Clarke
4. Merika Coleman
5. Terri Collins: Chairman of the House Education Policy Committee
6. Barbara Drummond
7. Juandalynn Givan: Ranking minority member on the House Constitution Campaigns and Elections Committee
8. Laura Hall: Ranking member on the House Health Committee; Ranking minority member on the House Technology and Research Committee; Ranking minority member on the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee
9. Rolanda Hollis
10. Toshina Morris
11. Mary Moore
12. Becky Nordgren: Chairman of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee
13. Connie Rowe: Vice-chairman of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
14. Ginny Shaver
15. Pebblin Warren
16. April Weaver: Chairman of the House Health Committee; Chairman of the House Shelby County Legislation Committee
17. Marie Wilcox: Vice-chairman of the House County and Municipal Government Committee
18. Debbie Wood

Women in the State Senate

1. Priscilla Dunn: Ranking minority member on the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee; Ranking minority member on the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee
2. Vivian Davis Figures: Ranking minority member on the Senate Education Policy Committee; Ranking minority member on the Senate Local Legislation Mobile County Committee
3. Linda Coleman-Madison: Ranking minority member of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee; Ranking minority member on the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee; Ranking minority member on the Senate Healthcare Committee
4. Malika-Fortier