Meet Elise Stefanik, the Youngest Woman Ever Elected to Congress
The 30-year-old unseated a Democrat who had been in office since 1993.
— -- Republican Elise Stefanik has become the youngest woman elected to Congress in history, winning her race against Aaron Woolf in New York's 21st open district 56-32, ABC News projects.
She's the first Republican to win the district, which had been held by Democratic Rep. Bill Owens since 1993.
Stefanik, 30, is seen as a new face and image for the GOP. House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy both campaigned for her on the trail, offering a preview of the attention she's sure to receive at the Capitol as she projects an aura of energy and vitality for a party hoping to appeal to younger demographics.
The formerly youngest elected Congresswoman was a fellow New Yorker: Democrat Elizabeth Holtzman was 31 when elected to Congress in 1973.
Stefanik is no stranger to Washington. She worked in President George W. Bush's administration on the Domestic Policy Council and oversaw economic and domestic policy in the chief of staff's office for Josh Bolten.
She also served as director of debate preparation during Rep. Paul Ryan's vice presidential campaign, and helped author the Republican National Committee's platform in 2012.
Despite a perceived proximity to many GOP insiders who have frustrated voters, Stefanik was able to capitalize on the Republican base in her district.
She moved into her family's vacation home in Lake Champlain in 2012, and she started work in marketing and management for Premium Plywood Products, a family-owned company, which allowed her more face time with the district's residents.
