The race for the Democratic nomination of 1972 saw one of the largest field of candidates to enter a modern day presidential primary at that time (15 candidates). The McGovern–Fraser Commission, also known as the Commission on Party Structure and Delegate Selection reformed the process in response to the 1968 Democratic primaries/convention help generate such a large selection of candidates. One of those candidates was Hawaii Congresswoman Patsy Mink. She helped usher in a lot of firsts.
- She was the first Asian American woman ever elected to Congress
- She was the first woman of color ever elected to Congress
- She was the first woman ever elected to Congress from Hawaii
- She was the first Asian American ever to seek the nomination of the Democratic Party
- She was the first Democratic woman to deliver a State of the Union response
- She was the first person of color appointed as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
