Georgia Lee Lusk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgia Lee Lusk
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's At-large district (Seat 1) |
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| In office January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1949 |
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| Preceded by | Clinton P. Anderson |
| Succeeded by | John E. Miles |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 12, 1893 Carlsbad, New Mexico Territory |
| Died | January 5, 1971 (aged 77) Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Highlands University |
Georgia Lee Witt Lusk (born May 12, 1893 – died January 5, 1971) was a very important woman in New Mexico's history. She was the first woman from New Mexico to serve in the United States Congress. She was also a dedicated teacher and worked hard to improve public education in her state.
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Growing Up in New Mexico
Georgia Lee Witt was born on a ranch near Carlsbad, New Mexico. After finishing high school in 1912, she went to college. She studied at Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico and Colorado State Teachers College. In 1914, she graduated from the New Mexico State Teachers College (now Western New Mexico University).
The next year, she married Dolph Lusk, a well-known rancher and banker. She also taught school in Eddy County, New Mexico. When her husband passed away in 1919, Georgia Lusk was pregnant and already had two sons. She bravely managed the family ranch, continued teaching, and raised her children. Her son, Gene Lusk, later became a New Mexico State Senator.
Starting a Political Career
In 1924, many women in New Mexico began to get involved in politics. Georgia Lusk took her first step into public service that year. She was elected as the superintendent of Lea County, New Mexico. She served in this role until 1929.
Becoming State Superintendent
After an unsuccessful attempt in 1928, Georgia Lusk won the election for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1930. She held this important position until 1935. She took a short break from politics to focus on her children. Later, in 1941 and 1942, Lusk worked as a supervisor for rural schools in Guadalupe County, New Mexico.
Lusk served as State Superintendent again from 1943 to 1947. During this time, she made huge improvements to New Mexico's schools. She made sure public schools received free textbooks. She also convinced the state government to fund new school buildings. Plus, she helped raise teacher salaries and create a retirement program for teachers. These changes greatly improved education in New Mexico.
Serving in Congress
In 1946, Georgia Lusk decided to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. New Mexico had two "at-large" seats, meaning representatives served the whole state. She surprised many by winning the primary election against six powerful male rivals. This was a big shock in state politics.
Lusk then easily won the general election. She became the first woman ever to represent New Mexico in the United States Congress.
Work in Washington D.C.
As a member of Congress, Lusk served on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. She supported many of President Harry S. Truman's plans for the country. She also strongly backed his ideas for how America should deal with other countries. For example, she voted to help Greece and Turkey. She also supported creating a special cabinet-level Department of Education.
In 1948, Lusk ran for re-election but lost by a small number of votes. She was not able to serve another term in Congress. Another woman would not represent New Mexico in Congress until Heather Wilson in 1998.
Later Public Service
In 1949, President Truman appointed Georgia Lusk to the War Claims Commission. She worked there until 1953. After returning to New Mexico, Lusk was elected State Superintendent two more times. She served in this role from 1955 to 1960, continuing her dedication to education.
