RESIST: Women as Political Machine

This year, 390 women are planning to run for the House of Representatives, a number that is higher than in any other point in our history. Twenty-two of them are non-incumbent black women—a number that if elected, would more than double the list of 18 black women currently serving in the House.
Likewise, 49 women are planning to run for a spot in the Senate- a figure that is 68% higher than at this same point in 2014. The intention of these emerging politicians is clear: replace the establishment.

They’ve eyed career politicians who’ve taken seats vacated by their fathers, who have sustained careers by forging the interests of their white male counterparts, who push for the advancement of a few to the detriment of the whole. And unlike most industries, where ousting marauding men, who have amassed rank, cultivated a “boys club” mentality and garnered expertise is a long term struggle, elections make rapid change possible. Undeniably, significant barriers continue—campaign finance, institutional structures or party alignment-- but whether you’re a cancer surviving pediatrician, former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor or a military wife, these women are proclaiming to all within earshot, that yes, YOU CAN RUN. And winning an office, whether of sizeable influence or simple small town sway, starts to slide open the door of change.

We support these candidates at the polls—pushing all women to vote in any and all elections. We support She Should Run’s goal of 250,000 women running for political office by 2030. And we celebrate today, those women who stand instead of sit, who speak when told to stay quiet, who have fostered our past and who bravely step forward to lead our future. - Maureen Post

For more information please visit: http://www.sheshouldrun.org/

Photo Credit : Library of Congress