In the current political landscape, midterm elections are paving the way for significant change, with women stepping up to run for office in record numbers. This is an exciting time as a wave of first-time female candidates emerges, marking an unprecedented shift. The 2016 election catalyzed this movement, especially in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, as women bring their passion and determination to the forefront of political campaigns nationwide. According to the Center for Women and Politics at Rutgers University, at least 79 women are considering runs for governor, a figure that has nearly doubled since 1994. Additionally, the number of Democratic women likely to challenge incumbents in the U.S. House has skyrocketed by almost 350% since 2016.
As Democratic pollster Celinda Lake notes in an interview with Time magazine, “Women candidates energize women voters, and in tight races, victory hinges on these voters.” The time for action is now, ladies.
Remarkable Candidates Making Waves
Here are several remarkable candidates making waves and embodying the change many women seek in their communities:
Tanya Johnson, 10th District, PA
Growing up in foster care, Johnson is on the brink of becoming the youngest female member of Congress if she secures her seat in November. At just 26, she previously served as an advisor in the Obama White House. As stated on her campaign website, she is committed to enhancing the community that raised her, declaring, “I will not back down.” Way to go, Tanya!
Linh Tran, 39th District, CA
Tran and her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1975. If elected, she will be the first foreign-born immigrant woman to represent California. A breast cancer survivor and mother, Tran worked as a janitor to put herself through college before graduating from medical school. With 25 years of experience as a pediatrician, she is running to ensure that the American dream remains attainable for all. “I’m running for Congress to fight for the dream that this country has always represented to me,” she proclaims on her website.
Samantha McGrath, 6th District, KY
McGrath burst onto the scene with an inspiring campaign video that highlights her experience as a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Marines. She’s challenging an incumbent for her first congressional seat, showing resilience after being told at 12 that she would never fly fighter jets. With 20 combat missions under her belt, McGrath is a force to be reckoned with. She recently made headlines by pulling her campaign ads from a local Sinclair station, urging other Democrats to take a stand.
Rebecca Houlahan, 6th District, PA
Houlahan, also a military veteran, focuses her platform on improving education, reforming campaign finance, and boosting the economy. As a former chemistry teacher and a mother of two, she recognizes the intersection of motherhood and politics. The child of a Holocaust survivor, she asserts, “We owe it to future generations to stand against actions that threaten our core beliefs.” We wholeheartedly support you, Rebecca!
Jessica Sherrill, 11th District, NJ
A Navy pilot, attorney, and mother, Sherrill is a triple threat who is vying for a congressional seat. In her spare time, she coaches soccer for her four kids. Her platform tackles climate change, women’s rights, and reforms to the Affordable Care Act. Sherrill is dedicated to public service and aims to represent the people of New Jersey with her tenacity.
Emma Haaland, 1st District, NM
After making history as the first Native American woman to chair a state party, Haaland has her sights set on becoming the first Native woman in Congress. She inspires young girls to pursue politics, sharing that after a TV appearance, a mother reached out to say her daughter was now motivated to run for student body president. We’re excited to see you in Congress, Emma!
This primary season is poised to be monumental for women, and we are thrilled to witness so many women stepping up to challenge incumbents. Change is on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see it unfold.
If you’re unsure about your congressional district, check out this resource to find out more and learn about the candidates in your area. And remember to register to vote if you haven’t done so already!
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Summary
Women are making strides in politics, with numerous first-time candidates emerging for the midterm elections. The shift in the political landscape is creating opportunities for change, and a group of determined women is stepping forward, each with unique backgrounds and compelling stories.