Democratic women are positioned to make historic gains in both gubernatorial and U.S. House races this November, with a record number of major-party nominees for governor and a push to exceed 100 Democratic women in the House of Representatives.
This cycle features 19 Democratic women as gubernatorial nominees, surpassing the previous record of 16 in 2022. Overall, 26 women are major-party nominees for governor, an increase from 25 in the last election cycle. The Republican party has seven women nominees for governor, down from nine in 2022.
Kelly Dittmar of Rutgers’ Center for American Women and Politics notes that Democrats possess a more robust support structure for women in politics, including training, recruitment, PACs, and funding, which cultivates a stronger pipeline to elected office. Conversely, Republican strategist Sarah Chamberlain suggests that the challenge for her party lies in finding Republican women who are willing to run, rather than a lack of support infrastructure.
Notable gubernatorial contests include Georgia, where Keisha Lance Bottoms aims to become the state's first woman governor and the first Black woman to govern any state. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa could become the first Latina governor. Deb Haaland in New Mexico is seeking to be the first Native American woman to hold the position.
In Ohio, Democratic nominee Amy Acton has faced criticism for an attack ad by Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy that references Acton's estranged mother. Acton, who would be Ohio's first woman governor, has spoken out against the ad, particularly after Ramaswamy doubled down on its use.
Michigan's Jocelyn Benson highlighted how her personal experience with miscarriage has shaped her healthcare platform, noting the impact of federal funding cuts on Planned Parenthood clinics in her state. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill commented that a focus on authenticity and strong female candidates, rather than attempting to mimic a "male bro culture," has proven more effective for Democrats.
The Democratic Governors Association has invested significantly in supporting women governors, with over $120 million since 2018. The DGA recently announced an additional $5 million investment in Keisha Lance Bottoms' race in Georgia, following a $10 million investment earlier in the month.
House Races
Ninety-five Democratic women currently serve as voting members in the U.S. House, and 198 are on the general election ballot. Organizations like Elect Democratic Women are working towards electing at least 100 women to the House, which would set a new record. Currently, 30 Republican women serve as voting members, down from 34 in the previous Congress, with 73 GOP women on the ballot.
Dittmar suggests that a new record for Republican women is unlikely, and a decrease from current levels is possible due to political headwinds. Chamberlain acknowledged the challenging landscape for Republicans, stating that "some [Republican] women and a whole lot of men are going to lose their seats" if current polling holds.
Rep. Lois Frankel, chair of Elect Democratic Women, emphasized the importance of women's representation in government, citing historical efforts to include women in medical research. Denise Powell, the Democratic candidate in Nebraska's 2nd District, noted the crucial support from such groups in her primary victory and highlighted her platform on supporting working parents, arguing that the underrepresentation of mothers of young children in Congress contributes to policies that neglect their needs.