The 2024 election cycle is a reminder that progress towards equal representation in politics is neither linear nor guaranteed. Women face significant challenges when running for office, including disparities in access to campaign funding, political networks, and party support. These systemic barriers transcend state borders and are felt nationwide.
The Ascend Fund’s latest report, Unfinished Business: Systemic Barriers for Women in the 2024 U.S. Election, offers a look at the 2024 U.S. election outcomes for women in Michigan, Mississippi, and Washington. The analysis provides an overview of trends impacting women leaders at the state and national levels, shares funding recommendations, and highlights innovative efforts by organizations driving change.
Read more about how The Ascend Fund partners, including Latinas Represent, Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable, and Mothering Justice, are working at the state and local level to support women’s leadership in elected office.
There are no “off-years” for increasing women’s political leadership and representation. The work we are each engaged in – the long game to build women’s political power – must continue.
