Ella Tambussi Grasso

Ella Tambussi Grasso served as a Representative from Connecticut in the United States Congress from 1971 to 1975. A member of the Democratic Party, Ella Tambussi Grasso contributed to the legislative process during 2 terms in office.

Ella Tambussi Grasso’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Ella Tambussi Grasso participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Ella Rosa Giovianna Oliva Grasso (née Tambussi; May 10, 1919 – February 5, 1981) was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served as the 83rd governor of Connecticut from January 8, 1975, to December 31, 1980, after rejecting past offers of candidacies for Senate and governor. She was the first woman elected governor in Connecticut and the fourth woman to be elected governor of a U.S. state. She is also the first female governor to not be the spouse or widow of a former governor. She resigned as governor due to her battle with ovarian cancer. Grasso started in politics as a member of the League of Women Voters and Democratic speechwriter. She was first elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1952 and later became the first female floor leader in 1955. She was then elected as Secretary of the State of Connecticut in 1958 and served until 1971. Grasso went on to serve two terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1971 to 1975. Then, she was elected governor in 1974 and re-elected in 1978.