The Honorable Sue W. Kelly

U.S. Representative from New York (January 3, 1995–January 3, 2007)

Sue W. Kelly made the transition from a behind-the-scenes campaign worker to a candidate for Congress in 1994 when incumbent Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., of New York declined to seek re-election. In her oral history, Kelly speaks of her familiarity with the district as a longtime resident, small business owner, and volunteer for Congressman Fish.

As part of the freshman class that helped Republicans take the majority in the House for the first time in 40 years, Kelly reflects on the many opportunities afforded to new Members, such as plum committee assignments and placement on influential investigative groups. In her interview, Kelly observes that Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia supported women Representatives, providing chances for advancement within the party and in the institution. Kelly also describes how women on both sides of the aisle worked together to promote legislation like the Violence Against Women Act. Kelly’s oral history offers a unique look at the majority whip operation as House Republicans sought to implement the centerpiece of their successful campaign to retake the House, the “Contract with America.” Kelly also offers a comparison of the leadership style of the two Speakers she worked with during her six terms in office—Gingrich and J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois—as well as poignant memories of representing a New York district after the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States.