Elizabeth Hawley Gasque

Elizabeth Gasque Van Exem (February 26, 1886 – November 2, 1989), named Elizabeth Hawley Gasque during her tenure in Congress, was an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district from September 13, 1938, to January 3, 1939. She was the first woman elected to Congress from South Carolina. At the age of 103 years, 249 days, Gasque is the longest-lived member of Congress ever, a record that still stands as of 2023. U.S. House of Representatives Gasque was elected to the House of Representatives on September 13, 1938, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husband, Allard Henry Gasque. She never actually attended Congress, which was not in session during her months of office. Gasque was not a candidate for renomination. After her tenure in Congress, she was an author and lecturer.