US midterms: Women candidates could make history
The US is holding Congress and state governors elections. At all levels of US politics, women are underrepresented — but they may win some historic victories in the midterms on November 3.
The United States midterm elections on November 3 present a potential opportunity for record numbers of female candidates to make history. Currently, women represent 28.4% of the 535 members of the US Congress, the highest proportion in history. This includes 125 female representatives, with a higher proportion among Democrats than Republicans.
There are also 14 female governors, the highest number ever. However, structural barriers like limited election cycles, high campaign costs, and cultural biases hinder women's advancement. Women are less likely to have access to wealthy donors, and parties may not prioritize recruiting them. Peggy Flanagan, a Native American woman, could become the first Native American woman in the Senate if elected in Minnesota.
She is favored over her Republican rival Michele Tafoya. Additionally, Black women like Keisha Lance Bottoms and Tim Walz could make history by becoming the first Black women governors, while Black Republican Rick Jackson seeks election in Georgia.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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