Donna Sytek

Donna P. Sytek (born December 14, 1944) is an American Republican Party politician who served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and was its first female Speaker.

Early life
Sytek was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on December 14, 1944. She graduated from Regis College in 1966. She is married to John Sytek.

Political career
Sytek was first elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1977 and was chairwoman of the New Hampshire Republican Party from 1981 to 1984. During her time in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Sytek chaired several committees, including: Judiciary, Ways and Means and Criminal Justice. On December 4, 1996, Sytek was elected the first female Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, serving two terms until December 6, 2000.

Later life
Sytek announced on February 28, 2000, that she wouldn't run for another term as Speaker nor would she run for another term as a State representative. She cited health issues as her motive for doing so, as well as stating that it was time to pass the torch. Following her departure and retirement from politics, Sytek received a portrait of her as Speaker, which hangs in the New Hampshire State House near the Speaker's office. She went on to endorse Chris Christie for President of the United States in the 2016 presidential election and Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential election. She resides in Salem, New Hampshire.