For the first time in 43 years the Maryland congressional delegate could be absent any women in its ranks.
Senator Barbara Mikulski is retiring this year congressman Chris Van Hollen has won the Democratic nomination to succeed her in a heavily blue state.
Ironically, he defeated the only other woman in the delegation Representative Donna Edwards who sought the Democratic senatorial nomination.
In addition, Van Hollen will have competition from the Republican standard bearer Kathy Szeliga for the senate seat.
Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University told USA Today that it was kind of shocking that there would not be a single women in the delegation.
Democrats hold a two to one advantage in the state.
But Szeliga told USA Today that she hopes to continue ”the proud tradition of diversity in the delegation.”
She adds, though, that she would never tell people to vote for her just because she is a woman.
