IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Milestone: Alma Adams Victory Means 100 Women in Congress

It's the highest number in history.
Image: Democratic Representative Alma Adams celebrates her re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives at an election night rally in Greensboro
Democratic Rep. Alma Adams celebrates her re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives at an election night rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Nov. 4, 2014. CHRIS KEANE / Reuters

The country marked a milestone in Tuesday's midterm elections with the victory of Democrat Alma Adams, who became the 100th female member of Congress, the highest number in history.

State Rep. Adams won in a special election in North Carolina's 12th Congressional District, which means she will be sworn in promptly.

There are currently 20 women in the U.S. Senate and 79 in the House of Representatives, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

—Becky Bratu