February 4, 2025

Last week, CAWP released updated rankings that show which states lead – and which lag – on women’s representation in state legislatures. In 2025, Nevada (61.9%), New Mexico (53.6%), and Colorado (51%) top the list, while West Virginia (11.2%), South Carolina (12.9%), and Mississippi (14.9%) rank at the bottom. 

In her latest Forbes article, Kelly Dittmar, CAWP’s director of research, unpacks this new data. While women have made significant strides in states like Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico, Dittmar writes, “a majority of states (27) saw either no change or a net loss in women’s representation as the new year begins.” Moreover, there are persistent partisan disparities: “almost two-thirds of women state legislators are Democrats, even after Republican women made larger net gains — in both number and percentage.”

How can we improve this dynamic? Dittmar points out: “Influencing these numbers are real-world hurdles to women’s candidacy and success, as well as targeted efforts to recruit, train, and support women running for state legislative office.” 

To explore these trends further, visit our Women in State Legislatures 2025 fact sheet, which will be updated as additional data is collected. See how your state has ranked over time in our State-by-State Information page. Discover how women are represented within their political parties with our Women as a Percentage of Democratic and Republican State Legislators fact sheet. And check out Dittmar’s Forbes article, “New Data On Women’s State Legislative Representation Tells Multiple Stories.”

Time is running out to join Women of Power, CAWP’s exclusive event celebrating the leadership and impact of women in politics. With less than a week to go, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with influential women, gain insights from trailblazers, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of women’s political power. In addition, your ticket or sponsorship provides valuable support for CAWP’s educational programs, empowering women, college students, and young people.

Thinking about running for office or supporting more women in politics? Ready to Run® New Jersey is your chance to get the tools, strategies, and insider knowledge to launch a campaign or lead in public life.

Take advantage of the reduced early bird registration rate before February 14 and join a powerful network of women ready to make a difference.

The program offers "how-to" instructions on running for office, fundraising and media skills, real-world advice from political experts, and strategies for positioning yourself for public leadership.

This Black History Month, CAWP honors the Black women who have shaped American politics – past, present, and future.

Representative Lois M. DeBerry

Leadership Institute

CAWP was honored to once again co-host the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women's (NOBEL Women) Representative Lois M. DeBerry Leadership Institute. The Institute provided current and aspiring Black women state legislators from across the country with a three-day intensive program focused on leadership development and skills training, including media and communications, public speaking, and fundraising. The program continues through summer 2025 with four spring webinars on media training, policy development, and fundraising, plus virtual networking sessions with peers and mentors. It will culminate at the NOBEL Women Annual Meeting. 

Senator Wynona Lipman Documentary Screening

We are delighted to uplift the African American Cultural Committee’s (AACC) screening of “Stronger Than Steel: The Senator Wynona Lipman Story” on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Montclair Art Museum at 2:00pm ET. The documentary honors New Jersey’s first Black woman state senator, who passed over 140 laws advocating for women, children, and marginalized communities. Learn more and buy tickets here.

CAWP has a longstanding connection to Senator Lipman’s legacy. Our Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in Women's Political Leadership, made possible by the generous support of the New Jersey Legislature, honors Senator Lipman’s remarkable life by featuring leaders who embody her commitment to public service and advocacy. This year’s chairholder will be U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, who will join us on the Rutgers–New Brunswick campus on April 22nd. More details about her visit to come!

Stay tuned for more Black History Month milestones and moments on our socials!

Stay Connected: