Right now, we’re existing in an especially tense and unstable “in between.”
We know what’s to come next January – yet at the same time, we have no idea what’s to come. Once-again President-elect Donald Trump has already promised mass deportations and a gutting of the Department of Education. His followers have already shown us shades of their callousness to come, in telling women that consent is now a matter of, in their disgusting words, “your body, my choice.” But we have no clue if there is a rock-bottom still looming below.
At present, I – and most every politically engaged progressive I’ve spoken with – is in a place of: “What can I do about it?” Some of us are taking quiet moments to regroup, to prepare bodies and minds and spirits for a long haul. And then there are people like me, who have spent the past week being rather vocal – encouraging others against the allure of quick fixes, while also howling against each new sign of injustice that crops up in the social media feeds we (fine, I) can’t quite step away from.
There is another option, though. As a number of the women candidates I’ve spoken with throughout 2024 have proposed, we might also consider running for office ourselves.
Not all of them won their races. Regardless, they agree on the power of entering the political fray so that women can speak their minds – especially in a nation that’s poised to grow ever more hostile toward us – and offer solutions from a still-woefully-underrepresented point of view.
Below, we’ve featured five women candidates’ insights, which might galvanize others to vie for seats that are opening up – or that desperately need new occupants – as a means of fighting back. Keep in mind, Vice President Kamala Harris may not have won the presidency, but plenty of Democrats emerged victorious in state and local races. Those who feel called to politics – or even those who might never have turned the idea over in their minds – should find heart and hope in these women’s words of experience.
In the meantime, I’ll find some comfort in looking forward to writing about your future campaigns.
Run as a Voice for the Voiceless
“We need your voices to be heard in the halls of power,” says Selena La Rue Hatch, who won her bid to represent Nevada’s 25th District. “We need mothers who know the challenges of finding quality, affordable childcare and who understand the importance of investing in our children. We need women who understand what it means not to have control over your own body.” Most of all, she adds, “We need people who know … the needs of the community, and who will fight to ensure every voice is heard – not just the rich and the well-connected.”
Run, Because Power Needs Diversity
Sen. Kandie Smith, who just won re-election as representative of North Carolina’s 5th district, says “women and gender-nonconforming candidates should absolutely jump in … head first with both feet in.” A longtime leader, she has seen growth in the power of the marginalized, and she wants that progress to continue. “Running for and serving as an elected official is a continuation of this ongoing movement. We must ensure that [a diverse array of people] run for and occupy spaces of power and influence, to safeguard our rights and freedoms.”
Run as a Beacon of Hope
Stacey Seaman was unable to secure the votes needed to win her run to represent Arizona’s 16th district. But the prospect of a better tomorrow must continue to motivate us either way, she points out. “There’s a lot of disillusionment in our country right now – it feels like even the most basic things are at risk of being taken away,” she says. “But the solution is not to give up. It’s to get involved. If we give up, they win – we have to have a say in our futures.”
Run to Bring In a Fresh Point of View
“We need diverse perspectives in elected office – our voices are needed in these important conversations,” Brandy Reese says. Though she was unsuccessful in her campaign to lead Arizona’s 13th district, she understands all too well the importance of vantage points that aren’t solely men’s. “It’s time for people of all backgrounds and genders to have a seat at the table and craft legislation that will improve our lives.” And if you find yourself in a moment of doubt, she adds, just call upon three simple words to motivate yourself: “Go for it.”
Run, Because We Won’t Be Dismissed
“Far too often, political spaces underestimate [marginalized] voters, instead heavily focusing on men,” says Rep. Ruwa Romman, who was just re-elected as representative of Georgia’s 97th house district. “Even post-Dobbs, pundits cannot believe that such an issue as our bodily autonomy could drive our decision-making.” But, she adds, “no matter how much they attempt to dismiss us, never let them. Organize and build infrastructure so that they can never ignore you. If they dismiss you, show them what they are missing. We can, and do, shape history.”
