 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2013) |
Coya Knutson | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 9th district | |
| In office January 3, 1955 – January 3, 1959 | |
| Preceded by | Harold Hagen |
| Succeeded by | Odin Langen |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives | |
| In office 1951-1955 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cornelia Genevive Gjesdal August 22, 1912 Edmore, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | October 10, 1996 (aged 84) Edina, Minnesota, U.S.[1] |
| Political party | Democratic–Farmer–Labor |
| Spouse | Andy Knutson |
Cornelia Genevive Gjesdal "Coya" Knutson (née Gjesdal; August 22, 1912 – October 10, 1996) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Minnesota. She served two terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives, from 1951 to 1955, before winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 9th congressional district as a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). She served two terms there, in the 84th and 85th Congresses, (from January 3, 1955, to January 3, 1959).
Knutson was the first woman elected to Congress from Minnesota, and is remembered today for the notorious "Coya, Come Home" letter supposedly written by her then-estranged husband, Andy, urging her to give up her seat and not seek reelection in 1958. Political rivals had put him up to it, and it was seen as instrumental in her ensuing defeat. The incident is often cited as an example of sexism in American politics.
- ^ Thomas, Robert McG. Jr. (October 12, 1996). "Coya Knutson, 82, Legislator; Husband Sought Her Defeat". New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2015.