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September 27, 2021

Frances "Sissy" Farenthold, Trailblazing Texas Politician and Activist, Dies at 94
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The pioneering Texas liberal Frances "Sissy" Farenthold died Sunday at
the age of 94. In 1971, as the only woman elected to the Texas House,
she led a revolt against corruption, then overcame long odds to become a
serious candidate for Texas governor. In 1972, she lost a bid to be the
Democratic Party's nominee for vice president.

Reporter: "Do you think at this time a woman could be nominated as a
vice-presidential candidate?"

Frances "Sissy" Farenthold: "To me, the pursuit of public office is a
corollary to full citizenship."

Sissy Farenthold later led the National Women's Political Caucus to
recruit women to run for elected office. She dedicated the rest of her
life to nuclear disarmament, human rights in Central America and
abolishing the death penalty.


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