Helen Gahagan Douglas

Helen Gahagan Douglas (November 25, 1900 – June 28, 1980) was an American actress and politician. She was the third woman and first Democratic woman elected to Congress from California.

Her election made California one of the first two states to elect female members to the House from both parties.

Gahagan died on in New York City, New York from breast cancer and lung cancer, aged 79.