12 - Texas, Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor to the seat no women had ever sat in before. And now we have leaders claiming them in all the highest positions. The most women in Congress. Women nominees for President. This is revolution. Texas was the ninth state to ratify the amendment on June 28, 1919. Ronald Reagan vowed to declare a woman to the Supreme Court Justice, and succeeded in nominating Mrs. O’Connor, taking her seat on September 25, 1981. The nomination was fought by conservatives because they perceived her stance on abortion too open and liberal. Because she did not stand openly and loudly against abortion, people doubted her support of Reagan’s platform. Her nomination included the first televised hearing for the public. Her publicity was confirmed with over 60,000 letters from the public in her first year of office, more than any SOJ in history. She was confirmed a vote of 99-0 by the Senate, the only missing vote from Montana, who regretfully noted they were absent. SOJ O’Connor fr...