Alumni | February 11, 2011

Harvard's congressional contingent loses its lone woman, Jane Harman

The departure of Jane Harman, J.D. '69, returns the Harvard contingent's total to 31.

The contingent of Harvard matriculants in the 112th Congress totaled 35 for just over a month, until Democratic representative Jane Harman, J.D. ’69, of California, announced on February 8 that she would resign her post to become president, CEO, and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, in Washington, D.C.

Harman had been the only woman in the Crimson congressional group since Republican senator Elizabeth Dole, M.A. ’60, J.D. ’65, of North Carolina, left office in January 2009. The Californian’s departure means that the Harvard total for the new session now stands at 34: three Republicans and nine Democrats in the Senate; two Republicans and 20 Democrats in the House.

Updated November 7, 2012: The original article failed to note the election of John Garamendi, M.B.A. ’70, Democrat of California, and Terri Sewell, J.D. ’92, Democrat of Alabama, to the 112th Congress. The numbers above have been updated to reflect their presence. After Harman's departure, Sewell became the only woman in the Harvard congressional contingent.

You might also like

A busy classroom filled with students working at computers, colorful decor, and a bright atmosphere.

In 2004, a frenzy spread across Harvard Yard in days. Four billion users later, we are only just catching up.

Three actors perform on stage, with one actor interacting closely with another, set against abstract backgrounds.

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

Most popular

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

A glowing bulb shape surrounded by colorful, swirling energy lines against a blue background.

Harvard researchers achieve medical breakthroughs in cancer therapy and infection control.

Colorful abstract design resembling an octopus with intricate swirls and patterns.

Growing liver implants, mapping the sense of smell, and journalism at risk

Explore More From Current Issue

A woman with curly blonde hair sits casually against a stone wall, wearing a black top and jeans.

Chloe Chapin trains her Broadway costume designer’s eye on the history of men’s fashion.

Technology

In 2004, a frenzy spread across Harvard Yard in days. Four billion users later, we are only just catching up.

Three young women posed side by side against red background.

Students

The 2026-2027 Ledecky and Summer Undergraduate Fellows