Summary
The 2024 election marked a significant moment for women’s representation in American politics, with numerous candidates achieving historic firsts across various states. Notably, Kamala Harris’s candidacy for president, along with other women running for congressional and gubernatorial positions, highlights the ongoing shift towards greater female representation in leadership roles.
As the election unfolded, candidates like Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware became the first woman and first Black person elected to the U.S. Senate from that state, while Sarah McBride made history as the first openly trans person to serve in Congress. Maryland also saw Angela Alsobrooks elected as the first Black woman to win any statewide election in the state. This wave of female candidates reflects not only a growing acknowledgment of the importance of diverse representation in government but also the increasing mobilization of women voters, particularly in response to issues like abortion rights and reproductive health, which have become central to the political discourse.
Key Achievements
- Historic Wins: The 2024 election resulted in several women achieving historic firsts, such as:
- Lisa Blunt Rochester: First woman and first Black person elected to the U.S. Senate from Delaware.
- Sarah McBride: First openly trans person elected to the U.S. Congress.
- Angela Alsobrooks: First Black woman elected to the Senate in Maryland and first Black woman to win any statewide election in the state.
Voter Gender Gap
The election underscored the significance of the gender gap in voting behavior, particularly among women who are motivated by the potential for increased representation and the urgency of issues like reproductive rights. The surge in women candidates reflects a broader societal shift and a response to the political landscape, especially following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Broader Implications
These historic wins not only signify progress for women in politics but also indicate a changing electorate that values diversity and representation. The outcomes of the 2024 election will likely influence future political dynamics, encouraging more women to run for office and participate actively in shaping policy.
The Historic Women's Firsts of the 2024 Election
Nov. 6 / Glamour / Reports on the ballot initiatives related to abortion rights in 2024, analyzing their potential impact on voter turnout and the shifting political landscape since the Dobbs decision, making it a timely read. “ There's a lot at stake for women this election, but there's also a lot of room for women to make history. Er, her story. Kamala Harris isn't the only woman...
Close polls, likely legal challenges: How TV networks will handle another election week
Nov. 3 / L.a. Times / Analyzes the close polling and potential legal challenges that could impact the election outcome, providing insights into how TV networks are preparing for a potentially protracted election night. “ Ever since network television started covering presidential election nights in 1948, there have been only two occasions when viewers had to wait more than a...
'Take A Good F**king Look': Desi Lydic Tells America To Do 1 Thing After Trump Win
Nov. 7 / Huffpost / Offers a sharp critique of America's electoral choices, emphasizing the societal implications of electing a criminal over qualified women. Lydic's candid commentary reflects broader frustrations with gender dynamics in politics. “ “ Daily Show ” correspondent Desi Lydic said America would rather elect its first criminal president before electing its first woman president after Donald...
Voting in America is still secure. But a dark anti-election movement seeks to change that
Nov. 3 / L.a. Times / Focuses on the anti-election movement and its implications for democracy, providing a critical examination of grassroots efforts that threaten voter participation and the integrity of the electoral process. “ Every year, Americans of every political stripe volunteer their time to register voters on the street, knock on doors for political campaigns and assist...
On Election Day eve, there are no warning signs for Kamala Harris
Nov. 5 / Raw Story / Analyzes the eve of the election, expressing cautious optimism for Harris while addressing potential legal challenges. The discussion around polling and historical context enriches the conversation on electoral dynamics. “ Today is the eve of Election Day. It’s tempting to presume there’s nothing left to say, but there always is. What do you want to know? That’s the question I...
Bradley Whitford on 'The Handmaid's Tale,' 'The West Wing' and campaigning for Harris
Oct. 31 / L.a. Times / Highlights the intersection of celebrity culture and political activism, offering a unique perspective on the 2024 election. Whitford's insights on democracy's fragility resonate deeply amid current political tensions. “ Fans of NBC’s long-running political drama “The West Wing” know actor Bradley Whitford as White House Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. The series, which ran...
In 2024, abortion rights initiatives are on the ballot in 10 states
Oct. 28 / Abc News / Analyzes the intersection of women's rights and election strategies, particularly regarding abortion rights initiatives, emphasizing the potential for these issues to shape voter behavior in the upcoming election. “ In 2022, protecting abortion rights was a winning issue in the six states that saw ballot initiatives related to abortion: That year, voters in the red...
How gold became one of the world's hottest investments
Oct. 26 / Insider / Examines the surge in gold investments as a response to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, offering a unique perspective on financial trends that could influence voter sentiment in the election. “ The price of gold hit all-time highs this week. Falling interest rates and rising geopolitical tensions boost gold's appeal as a safe haven asset. With gold...
Kamala Harris' Abortion Rights Strategy Could Be Working
Oct. 26 / Newsweek / Examines Harris's abortion rights strategy, revealing a notable shift in public opinion that aligns with her campaign. The polling data presented provides valuable context for understanding voter motivations. “ Vice President Kamala Harris ' focus on abortion rights in her campaign for the White House could help her win, according to experts and polling conducted on...
Friendly Fire: Kelly fires back, Altman's boost, and Kamala’s media blitz
Oct. 26 / Nj / Explores the dynamics of political advertising and media strategy in the context of the 2024 election, focusing on Kamala Harris's media presence and the implications for her campaign effectiveness. “ Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week. Julie...
The Washington Post, LA Times and New York Times are wrong; we’re still endorsing
Oct. 26 / Cleveland / Defends the importance of editorial endorsements in a polarized media landscape, emphasizing the role of trusted voices. The author's candid reflections on the endorsement process add depth to the discussion. “ Controversies about political endorsements have been significant news this year, the latest being the Los Angeles Times opinion editor’s resignation after...
Battering women's rights Trump has fooled with the wrong 'cadettes'...
Oct. 26 / Dailykos / Critiques Trump's fear-based tactics, connecting them to broader societal issues. The analysis of emotional responses to his rhetoric highlights the stakes for women’s rights in the upcoming election. “ Fear of a second Trump term has been festering among many Americans— as has the anger of those who support the exPOTUS. The anger and the fear are real....
Oct. 26 / Brietbart / Critiques the Biden-Harris healthcare policies while promoting a Trump-Musk efficiency commission, presenting a clear ideological stance that contrasts sharply with the administration's approach to healthcare. “ The following content is sponsored by Americans for Limited Government . Kamala Harris is well known for her confusing, inconsistent, and tragically...
Conservative activists are monitoring — and filming — voter registration sites
Oct. 4 / The Seattle Times / Reports on conservative activists' intimidation tactics against voter registration efforts, illustrating the challenges faced by advocacy groups. This piece sheds light on the ongoing battle for electoral access and integrity. “ One sweltering morning in Phoenix, four workers from a Latino nonprofit stood with clipboards outside a motor vehicle office to do the grunt work of...
JD Vance denies ever supporting a national abortion ban, except he did: JD Vance in the news
Oct. 2 / Cleveland / Details JD Vance's evolving stance on abortion, highlighting the Republican Party's need to regain women's trust, which reflects broader trends in voter sentiment regarding reproductive rights. “ During Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate, Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance said he never supported a national ban on abortions. Except, he did. And he also...