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Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Kyrsten Sinema participates in the pregame coin toss before the game between the Utah Utes and the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3rd, 2018, in Tempe, Arizona.

As Votes Roll in, Fresh Records for Women’s Representation in U.S. Government Are Within Reach

By the morning after Election Day, America knew the number of women in the House of Representatives would hit historic highs. Could the Senate and governors' mansions, too?

Francie Diep

Democratic candidate for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District Sharice Davids (L) and her mother, Crystal Herriage, celebrate with supporters during an election night party on November 6th, 2018, in Olathe, Kansas. Davids defeated incumbent Republican Kevin Yoder. Davids and Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico) will become the first Native American women to serve in Congress.

News in Brief

How a Record Number of Female Candidates Translated Into Numbers of Women in Power

A record number of women ran for some of the nation's highest offices this year. Here's how they've influenced the gender make-up of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the states' governors.

Francie Diep

Politicians, friends, and relatives carry the coffin of slain Brazilian councilwoman and activist Marielle Franco during her funeral at Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Chamber in Brazil.

News in Brief

Brazilians Mourn the Tragic Death of Marielle Franco

The feminist advocate and city council member was gunned down after mediating a debate about women's rights.

Kamille Viola

Social Justice

Life After Mugabe: Women in Zimbabwe Push for Political Power

During the hardline president's 37-year regime women were largely forced out of politics. Will things change under new leadership?

Tendai Marima

Political Deviance Is Still a Luxury Reserved for Male Candidates

Men are allowed to be mavericks, but women are expected to toe the party line.

Tom Jacobs

News in Brief

Queens on Attack

Would putting more women in power lead to less war? For queens at least, the answer is no.

Nathan Collins

Social Justice

Even Slight Gender Ambiguity Is Costly to Female Candidates

New research finds women politicians whose faces are instantly categorized as female are more likely to win elections.

Tom Jacobs

News in Brief

Reversing the Ebbing Tide of Elected Women

After seeing female participation as candidates stagnate over 30 years, a new initiative from Rutgers University tries to draw more women into politics.

Emily Badger