New York Representative Louise Slaughter Is Dead At 88

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons/Courtesy of Louise Slaughter.

Rep. Louise Slaughter, the first woman to represent Western New York in Congress, has died. She was 88.

The New York Democrat fell at her Washington, D.C. residence last week and sustained an injury, according to her office. She was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where she passed away early Friday morning surrounded by her family.

“To have met Louise Slaughter is to have known a force of nature. She was a relentless advocate for Western New York whose visionary leadership brought infrastructure upgrades, technology and research investments, and two federal manufacturing institutes to Rochester that will transform the local economy for generations to come. As the first chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, Louise blazed a path that many women continue to follow," Slaughter's chief of staff Liam Fitzsimmons said in a statement provided to Refinery29.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

He continued, "It is difficult to find a segment of society that Louise didn’t help shape over the course of more than thirty years in Congress, from health care to genetic nondiscrimination to historic ethics reforms. The Slaughter family is incredibly grateful for all the support during this difficult time. Details on funeral arrangements will be provided when they are available."

Slaughter, the only microbiologist in Congress, was also the oldest member of the House of Representatives. She was first elected to represent the Rochester area in 1986.

Throughout her time in Congress, Slaughter was a fierce advocate for women's rights. Some of her accomplishments included being a co-chair and founding member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, establishing the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and co-authoring the landmark 1994 Violence Against Women Act.

Her fellow congresswomen mourned her on social media, many of them calling her a trailblazer and a force of nature.

The amazing, sharp-tongued yet charming and brilliant former Chair of the Rules Committee, @RepLouise has left us. She died with her boots on. I was so lucky to call her my friend and colleague. Her quick wit and Southern drawl were irresistible.
— Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) March 16, 2018

Mourning the loss of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter today. Louise was a trailblazer who paved the way for so many other women in Congress. As the first woman to chair the House Rules Committee, she was a force in our fight for women and working families. She will be missed.
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) March 16, 2018

You could not find a sharper mind than Louise Slaughter. She was a truly great leader and I was honored to serve alongside her. Louise was a pioneer and a tireless voice for women. She will be missed by so many.
— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) March 16, 2018

Very sad to hear of the passing of Rep. Louise Slaughter. My heart and prayers go out to her loved ones. She fought for what she believed in and I always enjoyed our spirited debates. She will be missed here in Congress.
— Diane Black (@RepDianeBlack) March 16, 2018

It was my great privilege to serve with Rep. @LouiseSlaughter and to benefit from her friendship and wise counsel for 30 years. Her loss will be deeply felt. May it be a comfort to her family to know that so many around the country mourn with them. https://t.co/sUHsrpPaLA pic.twitter.com/jb0xSl9FNm
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) March 16, 2018

Read these stories next:

Will Fayrouz Saad Be The First Muslim Congresswoman?

We Need More Single Mothers Like Me In Congress — Here's Why

This Young Woman Is Challenging The Maine Republican Who Insulted Emma González

Related Video:

Despite President Joe Biden campaigning against former President Donald Trump’s contentious border wall during the 2020 presidential election, he has use

The ongoing attacks on affirmative action are triggering memories of a college hookup: In my recollection, I can see us stumbling through our campus quad.

There is a battle being fought in the city of Atlanta. Here, local politicians, law enforcement, and the powerful Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), the unio

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter Dies At 88

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter Dies At 88

More from US News

R29 Original Series