(born 1935) First female candidate for vice-president of the United States; former New York congressional representative and senatorial candidate. Her 1984 nomination to the Democratic Party’s ticket as candidate for vice-president signaled the emergence of the women’s movement as a force in mainstream politics, highlighted the power of women voters and the significance of the gender gap and redefined the possibilities for American women in politics. Although she was ultimately defeated, Ferraro’s presence on the ticket encouraged other aspiring female politicians to run for office and caused female voters to contribute more money than ever before to a candidate’s campaign.