Why women lawmakers wore white to the State of the Union

Democratic women lawmakers wore symbolic “suffragette” white to President Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday night — including freshman New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who donned a snow-colored cape.

The tribute was an effort to honor those who came out to vote in the midterm elections that gave Democrats the House majority, said Florida Rep. Lois Frankel.

“By wearing suffragette white to #SOTU2019.. we’re sending a message to everyone that voted for @HouseDemocrats & delivered us the majority that we’re working #ForThePeople, promoting the economic security of women & their families!” Frankel tweeted.

The outfits are also a nod to the suffragette movement of the early 20th century.

“Nearly 100 years after women earned the right to vote, more than 100 women are serving in Congress,” tweeted Florida Rep. Val Demings. “Tonight the @HouseDemWomen are wearing suffragette white to remind the president that we—and the rights our ancestors fought for—aren’t going anywhere.”

Photos taken before Tuesday’s presidential address showed white-clad Democratic congresswomen standing hand-in-hand on a staircase.

“What a wonderful sight this is,” 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton remarked.

Some Democratic male lawmakers, including Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, wore white ribbons in solidarity.

And Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips one-upped them by putting on a white suit.