The United States is preparing for elections for Congress and state governors. Women remain underrepresented in US politics, holding 28.4% of seats in Congress, despite comprising around 51% of the population. Currently, there are 152 women in the House of Representatives and Senate, the highest number in US history, and 14 female governors, representing 28% of all governors.
Several factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in Congress. Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, notes that structural barriers exist, making it difficult for newcomers to enter politics. 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 high, and women have historically had less access to wealthy donor networks, which are predominantly male. Additionally, male politicians are more likely to recruit male candidates. Cultural biases also play a role, as societal expectations influence perceptions of women's capabilities.
The upcoming elections on November 3 will determine the composition of Congress for the next two years, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats up for election, along with gubernatorial races in 36 states. Currently, 125 of the 435 House representatives are women, with a higher number among Democrats (95) compared to Republicans (30). Dittmar points out that the Republican Party lacks a robust support system for female candidates, with most organizations focused on recruiting 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. Historically, only Nancy Pelosi has held this position as a woman. In the Senate, women make up 27% of members, with 16 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Dittmar indicates that winning a Senate seat is particularly challenging for women due to the limited number of elections and higher campaign costs.
One notable candidate in the upcoming elections is Democrat Peggy Flanagan from Minnesota, who could become the first Native American woman in the US Senate. Flanagan, currently the lieutenant governor, is leading in polls against Republican Michele Tafoya.
Among the current female governors, ten are Democrats and four are Republicans, with six seeking reelection, including Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas. For the first time, a Black woman could be elected as a state governor, with Keisha Lance Bottoms running in Georgia. Dittmar suggests that the race in Georgia is competitive, while she believes that Amy Klobuchar has a strong chance in Minnesota.
This article has been translated from German.