For the first time, both House cloakrooms are helmed by women

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Roll Call

Posted January 2, 2026 at 7:00am


When Ella Gunn first got the chance to work in the House Republican Cloakroom, she readied herself with the methodical focus of a student cramming for a final exam.

“There’s not a lot you can do to prepare,” she said. “I studied the members for hours and hours, literally. I had my dad quiz me. I had my mom quiz me. I made actual flash cards.”

Three years later, Gunn officially became the House Republican Cloakroom’s floor director. Soon thereafter, Rosemary Keating started in her role as House Democratic Cloakroom manager. Their September hires marked a milestone for the House: the first time both cloakrooms are led by women.

Keating is the first woman to serve as House Democratic Cloakroom manager, succeeding Bob Fischer, who retired at the end of September.

“That’s historical,” she said of her new role. “I feel very proud to work here.”

Read more: https://rollcall.com/2026/01/02/for-the-first-time-house-cloakrooms-are-helmed-by-women/

[mwb970]

1. When I was in elementary school, we all put our coats and rain gear in the "cloakroom".

This always seemed strange to me. There were no cloaks in there.

[Marcuse]

2. It must be where they go to get off the record

Keating points out that services are key to cloakroom operations, noting that members don’t have staff with them, so if they need information on a bill or to clarify a vote, that’s where her staff comes in. The job of running the cloakroom also requires discretion.