Friends,

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight one of the many women who has made history in the state of North Carolina.

In 1920, Lillian Exum Clement became the first woman elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Not only did she make history in our state, but this victory marked the first time a woman was elected to serve in any state legislature in the US. In addition to her career as a politician, Clement was the first woman in North Carolina to open a law practice without male law firm partners.

Clement broke glass ceiling after glass ceiling, and today we celebrate the progress she made for generations of women.

Last year, when Roe v. Wade was overturned, I saw the rights of my daughter and other young women rolled back decades. I ran for Congress to ensure a better future for our children. A future where women can make their own choices about their bodies without the government interfering. A future where women are paid fairly and have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. A future where women have access and can afford the health care they need.

Today, as we celebrate the accomplishments of women around the world, I recommit myself to this important work.

Thank you so much,

Wiley Nickel

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