The United States is preparing for elections for Congress and state governors on November 3. Women are underrepresented in US politics, comprising approximately 51% of the population, yet only 28.4% of Congress members are women. Currently, there are 152 women in total in the House of Representatives and Senate, the highest number in US history. Additionally, there are 14 female governors, representing 28% of the total.
Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, cites structural barriers as a reason for the low representation of women in Congress, noting that the political system has rules that make it difficult for newcomers to enter. Senate seats are contested every six years, while House members serve two-year terms without limits on reelection, allowing incumbents to remain in office for extended periods.
Campaign costs in the US are also significant, and women have historically had less access to wealthy donor networks. Dittmar points out that leading male politicians tend to recruit male candidates, and cultural biases persist regarding women's roles in politics.
The upcoming elections will determine the number of women in Congress for the next two years, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats up for election. Currently, there are 125 women in the House, with a higher number of women in the Democratic Party (95) compared to the Republican Party (30). Dittmar notes that the Republican Party lacks a robust support infrastructure for women candidates, with most organizations focused on recruiting and training women being aligned with the Democratic Party or non-partisan.
The Republican Party currently holds a majority in the House, with Mike Johnson serving as Speaker. Nancy Pelosi is the only woman to have held this position previously. Women make up 27% of the Senate, with 16 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Dittmar highlights that winning a Senate seat is more challenging for women due to the longer terms and higher campaign costs.
One candidate to watch is Democrat Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, who could become the first Native American woman in the Senate. Flanagan, currently the lieutenant governor, is leading in polls against Republican Michele Tafoya.
Among the 14 female governors, ten are Democrats and four are Republicans, with six seeking reelection. Notably, a Black woman may be elected governor for the first time in US history. In Minnesota, Democrat Tim Walz is not seeking reelection, with Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa DeMuth as main contenders. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms is running for governor, and Dittmar considers that race a toss-up.
This article has been translated from German.