Ella T. Grasso
1919-1981
Ella Tambussi Grasso was born in Windsor Locks, Connecticut on May 10, 1919. She lived in Windsor Locks her entire life. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with honors in 1940 and earned an M.A. in 1942. During World War II she served as assistant director of research for the Connecticut office of the War Manpower Commission.
Ella Grasso became active in the Windsor Locks Democratic Town Committee. She was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1952 and again in 1954. In 1956-58, she served on the Democratic National Committee. In 1958, she was elected Connecticut's Secretary of the State, a position she held for three terms. In 1970 and again in 1972, she was elected to the U.S. Congress.
In 1974, Ella Grasso campaigned successfully for the Democratic nomination for governor. She won a decisive victory in the November election. Ella Grasso was the first woman to serve as governor of Connecticut and the first woman in American history to hold a state governorship solely on her own merits. All previous women governors had been wives of former governors.
In September 1978, Governor Grasso fought off a primary challenge by her former lieutenant governor and was nominated for a second term. She was reelected by a large majority in November and began a second four-year term. Ella Grasso resigned on New Year's Eve in 1980 due to illness. She died on February 5, 1981.
Ella Grasso was a popular politician who never forgot her hometown and its people. In 28 years, she never lost an election. She overcame religious prejudice and sexism to succeed in public service. She was a champion for those who needed help, including minorities, women, young people, working people and senior citizens. She has inspired generations of future leaders by her landmark achievements in government service.
Ella T. Grasso is a member of the National Women's Hall of Fame.