Patsy T. Mink

Patsy T. Mink (1927 -2002) was a distinguished, dedicated, and innovative legislative trailblazer who overcame gender and racial discrimination to become one of the most influential public servants of her generation.

In 1964, she made history when she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first woman of color elected to the national legislature and the first Asian-American congresswoman. She championed the rights of immigrants, minorities, women and children, and worked to eradicate the kind of discrimination she had faced in her life.

Patsy T. Mink was a visionary leader in educational reform and is recognized as the major author and sponsor of Title IX, which was renamed by Congress in her honor. This legislation brought academic and athletic gender equity to American educational institutions. She was a strong environmental advocate and worked tirelessly on energy policy issues of regional, national and global impact.

The Patsy T. Mink Political Action Committee seeks to honor the integrity and value of Patsy T. Mink’s life work by dedicating our efforts to perpetuating her legacy by assisting pro-choice democratic women to attain and retain elective office.