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In 1974, when Ella Tambussi Grasso ran for the position of Governor in Connecticut, it marked the continuation of an unbroken streak of electoral victories dating back to her initial election to the state’s General Assembly in 1952. Serving as Connecticut’s 83rd Governor from January 8, 1975, to December 31, 1980, she turned down previous offers to run for Senate and Governor. Notably, Ella Grasso was not only the first woman to be elected as Governor of Connecticut but also the first woman to secure this prestigious position solely based on her own qualifications, devoid of any association as the wife or widow of a former governor.
Born as Ella Rosa Giovanna Oliva Tambussi in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, in 1919, she was the daughter of Italian immigrants. A gifted scholar, she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College in 1940, majoring in economics and sociology. In 1942, she earned a master’s degree from the same institution. During World War II, she played a vital role as the assistant director of research for the War Manpower Commission of Connecticut in Washington, D.C., eventually ascending to the position of assistant director of research.
Ella Grasso’s entry into the world of politics commenced when she joined the League of Women Voters in 1942. A year later, she began her journey with the Connecticut Democratic Party as a speechwriter. Her election to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1952 and 1954 marked her as the first woman elected Floor Leader in 1955. From 1958 to 1970, she served as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State.
During this period, Grasso achieved several historic milestones, including becoming the first woman to chair the Democratic State Platform Committee. She also served as a member of the Platform Drafting Committee for the 1960 Democratic National Convention and co-chaired the Resolutions Committees for the 1964 and 1968 Democratic National Conventions. In 1970 and again in 1972, she was elected to the U.S. Congress, where she built a reputation for her staunchly liberal voting record.
After a hard-fought campaign in 1974, Ella Grasso emerged as the victor and was elected as Governor. She secured re-election in 1978 but, unfortunately, had to resign in 1980 due to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Tragically, she passed away less than six weeks after leaving office. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Ella Grasso was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Published by Hear Her Stories