Harris' Ascension Could Break a Barrier — But Fewer Women Are Running for Congress
PHOENIX — As Vice President Kamala Harris approaches the historic milestone of becoming just the second female major-party presidential nominee, a contrasting trend emerges in the realm of congressional races. Despite the surge in female voter registration following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which returned abortion policy to the states, the number of women running for Congress has notably declined this year.
A Decline in Female Candidates
The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) reports a decrease in female candidates for the House of Representatives, with 466 women running as major-party candidates in 2024, down from 583 in both 2020 and 2022. This decline is particularly striking given the record highs achieved in recent election cycles, especially during the Trump administration when hundreds more women entered the race.
The Arizona Example
One of the first primaries on the docket exemplifies this trend. In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, a competitive race against GOP Rep. David Schweikert features a half dozen Democratic candidates, yet only one is a woman: Marlene Galán-Woods. Galán-Woods, a mother of five and a former broadcast journalist, acknowledges the challenges women face in politics. “This is hard, and it’s not for the faint of heart,” she states, emphasizing her commitment to tackling difficult issues.
The Landscape of Congressional Races
Galán-Woods faces stiff competition from seasoned candidates like Andrei Cherny, a businessman and former chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, and Amish Shah, a former member of the Arizona state House. Despite her limited political experience, Galán-Woods has garnered significant endorsements, including from Democratic state Attorney General Kris Mayes. She believes her background in journalism equips her with essential skills for effective governance, particularly the ability to listen—a quality she feels is lacking in current political discourse.
Unclear Causes for the Decline
Kelly Dittmar, the director of research at CAWP, notes that the reasons behind this year’s decline in female candidates remain unclear. Interestingly, fewer men are also running for Congress in 2024. Dittmar suggests that if women perceive Congress as an ineffective institution for enacting change, they may be dissuaded from running.
Shifts Post-Dobbs Decision
Since the Dobbs decision, there have been notable shifts in political candidacy. While Democratic women running for state House positions have increased by 5.7%, Republican women have seen a decrease of 6.5%. Dittmar posits that if women are motivated by issues like abortion, they may focus their efforts on state-level politics, where they feel they can have a more significant impact.
The Toxicity of Politics
The perceived toxicity of Congress, characterized by harassment and abuse, particularly against women and people of color, can further discourage potential candidates. Dittmar highlights that these factors contribute to a reluctance among women to enter the political arena.
A Defiant Stance
Galán-Woods acknowledges the challenges she faces as the only woman in her race but remains resolute. “I have a job to do. I have girls and women to protect, and I have democracy to uphold, and that’s what I focus on,” she asserts, embodying the determination needed to navigate the complexities of political life.
As Harris's potential nomination looms, the decline in women running for Congress serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges women face in politics, even as they strive to break barriers at the highest levels.