November 12, 2024

At the Center for American Women and Politics, we’re driven by a vision of equal representation for women, and we’re not slowing down. While the highest office in the land still awaits a woman’s leadership, women are stepping up as council members, mayors, legislators, governors, and even vice president. Yet, with women holding less than a third of elected offices, our journey is far from over.

We’re steadfast in our mission and energized to push further. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and make change happen! Ready to Run® is your first step—our nonpartisan training on running for office or getting involved in politics. Join Ready to Run® New Jersey on March 21-22, 2025, at Rutgers-New Brunswick, to learn from experienced women officials, connect with like-minded leaders, and build the skills to navigate the political arena.

In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, we invite you to read our statement on Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy and the ongoing journey toward full political representation for women. While Harris demonstrated the power, promise, and unique perspectives that women bring to American politics, the election also highlighted enduring challenges women – especially women of color – face on the path to the presidency. Read the full statement.

Women across the country have made strides in the 2024 elections. Highlights from CAWP’s final Election Watch post, Results for Women Congressional and Statewide Executive Candidates in Election 2024, are listed below. With many races remaining too close to call, please visit the post or our 2024 Election Results Tracker for the most current data.

• U.S. Congress: At least 147 women (108D, 39R) will serve in the 119th Congress, representing 27.5% of all members. 

• U.S. Senate: 25 women senators (16D, 9R) are confirmed to serve in 2025, holding 25% of Senate seats. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) will become the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the Senate. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) will be the first woman and first Black woman to represent Delaware in the Senate. Together, Alsobrooks and Blunt Rochester will make history as the first two Black women to serve simultaneously in the U.S. Senate.

• U.S. House: Thus far, 122 (92D, 30R) women will serve in the U.S. House in 2025 . They will be at least 28% of all members of the U.S. House. Historic firsts include Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), the first Middle Eastern/North African woman in Congress, representing Arizona; Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), the first woman to represent North Dakota in the U.S. House; Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly transgender member of Congress, representing Delaware; and Nellie Pou (D-NJ), New Jersey's first Latina in Congress.

• Governorships: Next year, the number of women governors will briefly hit 14, a new record. Former Senator Kelly Ayotte won the New Hampshire gubernatorial election. In addition, Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will briefly serve as governor when current Governor John Carney leaves office to begin his duties as the next mayor of Wilmington and before the next Delaware governor, Matt Meyer, is sworn in. The number of women governors will be 14 (9D, 5R) during this period and will then be 13 (8D, 5R) after Hall-Long leaves office. However, with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem tapped to lead the Department of Homeland Security, the number of women governors will be 12 (8D, 4R) once she leaves office, bringing this number to current levels.

• Statewide Executive Offices: Thus far, 96 (52D, 42R, 2NP) women will serve in statewide elective executive office (including governor) in 2025. Milestones include Tina Cannon (R-UT) becoming the first woman auditor of Utah and Elizabeth Steiner (D-OR), the first woman treasurer of Oregon.

On November 6, the Eagleton Institute of Politics hosted a special post-election webinar, The Morning After, diving into the results of the 2024 presidential election. This signature Eagleton event featured top experts, including Debbie Walsh, director of CAWP, who provided her insights alongside Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway, Professor Ronald Chen, Mike DuHaime, and Kimberly Peeler-Allen. Missed the discussion? Watch the full video to gain a deeper understanding of what the election results mean for the nation.