Marie Corinne Claiborne “Lindy” Boggs began her political career in the 1930s and 1940s as a founding member of the Independent Women’s Organization, volunteering with the group during the Sam Jones and deLesseps “Chep” Morrison campaigns. When her husband, Hale Boggs, was elected to the US House of Representatives, Lindy became an active congressional spouse—running his campaigns, managing his Capitol office, and serving as president of the Democratic Wives’ Forum and the Woman’s National Democratic Club.

Following the death of her husband, Lindy was elected to fill his congressional seat, in 1973, making her the first woman from Louisiana elected to Congress. Three years later, she became the first woman to chair a national party convention. During her eighteen years in office, Boggs consistently championed equal rights for women and minorities. Her popularity within the African American community helped her win reelection an astonishing eight times in a majority African American district. She retired from Congress—choosing not to seek another term—in 1991.