Emerge’s historic slate represents a more than 25% increase in candidates since the landmark 2018 “Year of the Woman” midterm elections
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With just one week until the November 3 midterm elections, Emerge, the nation’s largest network of women elected officials and candidates, announced today that more than 700 Emerge women are on the ballot across the country, the highest number in the organization’s history.
Women are running in record numbers for governor, Congress, and state legislatures this year, with Emerge helping drive that historic surge.
Among the Emerge women on the ballot are more than 330 candidates running for state legislatures across 28 states, more than 300 candidates running for local office, 33 candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives, one candidate running for the U.S. Senate, and 22 candidates running for statewide offices.
“Anyone who thinks women have stopped stepping up to run for office should look at our numbers,” said A’shanti F. Gholar, President and CEO of Emerge. “Women across the country know what’s at stake for their families, their communities, and our democracy, and they’re answering the call to lead. The level of interest we’re seeing is extraordinary, and this historic slate of candidates shows what happens when we invest in women and give them the tools to succeed. These women are ready to win in November, help Democrats take back Congress, and build lasting political power at every level of government.”
Emerge currently has 14 women serving in Congress, and its alums are playing a critical role in the fight for control of the U.S. House. Among them are two DCCC Frontline incumbents, Reps. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05), who are defending must-protect Democratic seats. Four additional Emerge women are part of the DCCC’s Red to Blue program, which targets competitive Republican-held districts:
Sarah Trone Garriott (IA-03)
JoAnna Mendoza (AZ-06)
Shannon Taylor (VA-01)
Marni von Wilpert (CA-48)
Emerge alum Dr. Annie Andrews is also running for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina, where her background as a pediatrician and strong campaign have helped make the race competitive in a traditionally Republican state.
Emerge women are also running in key statewide races, including two gubernatorial tickets in New Mexico and Vermont where both the Democratic nominees for governor and lieutenant governor are Emerge alums. In Arizona, Emerge alum Gov. Katie Hobbs is running for reelection in one of the country’s most competitive gubernatorial races. Beyond these races, Emerge has three women running for attorney general and five for secretary of state, along with candidates for state auditor, comptroller, labor commissioner, superintendent of education, and other statewide offices.
Emerge women are also competing in critical state legislative races across the country, including in states where Democrats have opportunities to flip chambers or strengthen their majorities. In Arizona, seven Emerge women are on the ballot for the state legislature, along with three in Michigan, 21 in Pennsylvania, and 11 in Wisconsin. These races could help determine the future of reproductive freedom, voting rights, public education, and other issues that directly affect Americans’ lives.
“November 3 is about more than winning elections. It’s about building political power that lasts,” Gholar said. “The women we’re training and supporting today will be the members of Congress, governors, and community leaders of tomorrow. We’re not just working to change the outcome of this election. We’re working to change who holds power in this country.”
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About Emerge
Emerge is the nation’s largest network of women elected officials and candidates. Since 2002, Emerge has recruited, trained, and empowered more than 7,500 Democratic women to run for office and win, with a particular focus on women from the New American Majority. Emerge candidates have consistently achieved a win rate of 70% across election cycles, and today, more than 1,200 Emerge alums serve in elected office around the country. Through its comprehensive training programs and national network, Emerge is building a pipeline of women leaders who are transforming politics at every level of government.