December 5, 2023

CAWP’s latest report, Rethinking Women’s Political Power, examines the political systems in Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania to illustrate how increasing women’s political power is a multi-site, multiracial, and bipartisan endeavor. The groundbreaking report relies on interviews with nearly 200 political actors – elected officials, campaign professionals, government staff, activists, organizers, donors, and more – to gain a deeper, more thorough understanding of the factors that shape women’s access to political power both within and across states. Using quotes from these interviewees – in text and audio – the report illustrates the reality of the political systems in which they operate. Read the full report at the Rethinking Women’s Political Power site.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 6th at 4pm ET, CAWP will host a virtual conversation with Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn, Nevada Assemblymember Selena Torres, U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Rethinking Women’s Political Power author and CAWP Director of Research Kelly Dittmar.

The discussion will draw on the elected women leaders' experiences, successes, and challenges navigating state political ecosystems to identify persistent barriers as well as opportunities to increase women’s political power within and across states. 

Research and programs that change our understanding of power.

And prepare women to reach for it.

Last week, Celeste Maloy was sworn in as the newest member of the House of Representatives after winning a special election in Utah’s second congressional district. With her swearing in, there are multiple new records for women in Congress:

●       Women in Congress: 151

●       Women in the House: 126

●       Republican women in Congress: 43

●       Republican women in the House: 34



Find out all the latest data at our Women in the U.S. Congress 2023 page.

This past weekend, CAWP Associate Director Jean Sinzdak shared data and knowledge about women’s political history at a leadership retreat for women state legislators hosted by OASIS Leadership Network, a new cohort-based initiative of Family Values @ Work. The nonpartisan initiative provides programming and support for equity and justice-focused legislators who are women and non-binary serving in state legislatures and prioritizes individuals who come from groups and communities that have been historically excluded from power and resources. OASIS convenes legislators virtually and in-person for educational workshops, relationship-building and sessions to develop the tools, practices, adaptive skills and community to effectively legislate and grow political power, as well giving participants strategies for prioritizing mental and emotional health while serving their constituents. CAWP is thrilled to partner with OASIS to provide support and skills for these legislators as they work to create change in their communities!

On the topic of mental health and leadership, CAWP was recognized by the Apolitical Foundation as a Trailblazing Organization Supporting Political Leader’s Mental Wellbeing. We were proud to be recognized among 26 organizations whose work addresses the importance of mental health in politics for citizens and democracy, as well as organizations focused on issues that negatively impact mental wellbeing, like online harassment, underrepresentation, and feelings of isolation. Read more here.