These are the women who – for better or worse – are running for critical elected offices, drafting potentially impactful policies and driving discourse in troubled times.
Political Representation
Women Olympians Voice ‘Own Values’ at Winter Games in Milan — Not America’s
It’s a strange time to represent America abroad, as these Olympic athletes have learned at the Winter Games in Milan.
4 Historic Wins for Women on Election Day 2025
The most recent round of state and local elections came with a number of heartening victories as several women candidates won big.
Voters Want More Women in Office, New Survey Reveals
Women leaders are widely seen as more trustworthy, plus they bring empathy and fresh perspectives, according to the nonpartisan Gender on the Ballot.
Researchers: When Women Run for Office, Girls Grow Up to Vote
A new study reveals that when adolescent girls see adult women engaging in the political process – especially by campaigning – they’re more likely to vote when they’re old enough.
We Asked 5 Women Candidates: Why Should More Women Run for Office?
If you’re disappointed in the results of Election 2024, then consider these insights on a pathway forward, from women who ran in down-ballot races this year.
Women Governors Set to Hit Record Levels in 2025
Kelly Ayotte’s win for New Hampshire will bring the total number of women governors in the U.S. to 13.
Vote — and Remember That Your Choice Has Consequences
Election Day 2024 is upon us. Candice Helfand-Rogers writes about why getting to the polls is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
Lorena Austin Didn’t Run to Be a ‘First’ — But It Helped Them Fight Anti-LGBTQ Legislation
When Arizona’s “Pronoun Bill” was introduced to limit students’ rights to self-identify, Rep. Lorena Austin embraced their own nonbinary identity to fight back.
A Harris Win Would Herald America’s First Native-American Governor. Who Is She?
If current Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz assumes the vice presidency this November, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will take over his role – and make history in the process.
Black Women Are Dissatisfied With Both Presidential Candidates. Here’s Why
A majority of Black women voters skew Democratic – but will that be enough motivation for them to vote blue on Nov. 5?
This Las Vegas Mayoral Candidate’s Mission: Change Up the ‘Old Guard’
Kara Jenkins wants to bring fresh energy and ideas – not to mention, better representation for people of color – to Sin City’s electoral politics.
Besides Fatigue, Another Factor is Keeping Women From Running for Office
More politicians are self-financing their campaigns. But this pay-to-play system cuts women further out of the equation, researchers say.
13 Women in Politics to Watch Ahead of Election 2024
From presidential candidates to influential activists, these women are poised to figure big in America’s political landscape this year.
Emily’s List Kicks Off ‘Madam Mayor’ Effort
The organization, which supports pro-choice women candidates, will focus on local races in U.S. cities.
Fed Up: Nearly a Quarter of All U.S. Women Now Want to Run for Office
A survey conducted by nonprofit She Should Run says women want to change America’s status quo by vying for a seat at the decision-making table.
Study: Black Women Will Vote in the Midterms – But They Want Actual Change
A new survey from Higher Heights finds that America’s “most reliable voting bloc” wants to see more Black women in positions of power.
Could Women’s Equality Day Push More Women to Run for Office?
The official day, designated by President Biden, coincides with the anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Michele Rayner Was Running for Congress. Then Came the Redistricting
When the Florida Democrat’s district was redrawn, she decided to seek reelection to the state house instead of higher office – because her constituents “can’t afford to lose a voice.”
Iceland’s Parliament Now Has the Highest Percentage of Women in European History
A near-majority of women were elected to the country’s parliamentary government this year.
Yes, Women Won the Right to Vote 100 Years Ago. But Equality Remains Elusive
Our “100 Years of Power” series breaks down women’s history from the suffragist movement to #MeToo and asks: Is the future really female?
On Super Tuesday, Many Women Candidates Won Their Primaries. But Parity Remains Distant
After primary elections in eight states yesterday, three women candidates featured in our Running Women project are among 57 candidates advancing to the general election.
Crowdpac’s Funding Engine is Powering Women Candidates
Former Google executive Gisel Kordestani co-founded the nonpartisan crowdfunding platform to get big money out of politics. She may also help level the playing field for women candidates.
VoteRunLead Wants Women in Power, Regardless of Party
Can Erin Vilardi, founder of nonpartisan nonprofit VoteRunLead, manage huge post-Trump demand for candidate training from progressive women, and bring Republican women along?
Emily’s List Aims to Seize Its Moment
The 2016 electoral loss to Donald Trump was heartbreaking, but angry Democratic women are planning to run for office in numbers not seen before. Here’s how Emily’s List President Stephanie Schriock plans to turn a female candidate surge into an 2018 electoral wave.
The Women Who Won U.S. House, Senate, Governor Races
About half the candidates we tracked in our “Women on the Ballot” project won their elections. Their success will lift female representation in Congress, but only slightly.
Who are the Republican Women Candidates?
From Midwestern matriarchs to impassioned immigrants, Republican women vying for elected office in 2016 are of one mind in championing traditional party principles. What does this reveal about the GOP today, and what could it mean for 2017?