Americans have spoken – and they say they want more women in office.
In a new survey from Gender on the Ballot, a nonpartisan research effort backed by the Women & Politics Institute at American University, a wide majority of 83% of respondents said it’s important that voters throughout the U.S. elect more women to higher office.
In addition, over half of those who took part in the survey said that current representation for women in elected positions is inadequate. At present, women account for 26% of the U.S. Senate, just under 29% of the U.S. House and about 30% of statewide elected offices.
“Women leaders are seen as more trustworthy on critical issues such as childcare, abortion and promoting women’s equality,” researchers wrote of voters’ desire to see more women elevated to elected offices. “Empathy, inclusivity and fresh perspectives are widely seen as unique strengths women bring to elected roles.”
Yet there is still much holding women back from seeking elected positions. A 2023 study from She Should Run, an organization that seeks to galvanize women into political action, found that unpaid labor, combined with higher levels of stress, are rendering women too exhausted to consider taking on campaigns for office.
Researchers at Gender on the Ballot noted that roadblocks persist in 2025 – especially for those higher up on the ballot.“Persistent bias is evident, with 4 in 10 voters, particularly Republicans and younger demographics, knowing someone who would not vote for a woman president,” researchers wrote.
“Expectations for a ‘first female president’ are narrowly defined, often envisioning a married Democratic mother under 65 with political experience,” they continued. Moreover, “women candidates also face a ‘double bind,’ needing to be both ‘tough’ and ‘likable’ – a standard not typically applied to their male counterparts.”
That said, when we spoke to Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run, she pointed out that though “the work is harder … we still see women stepping up – being incredibly strong and amazing problem solvers. In them, I know we’ll find our way forward.”
