We have released a report showing that despite the best efforts of women's organizations throughout the state, the total number of women running for either the State Assembly or the State Senate is only 63 candidates; compared to 207 male candidates.  Of the 35 open Assembly seats, there are 15 that do not have a woman running.  Of the nine open State Senate seats, five races have no women running.

 

"It becomes a numbers game, the more women who run for office the odds of electing a woman increases.  If we can't get women to run, we can't get women elected," said Rachel Michelin, Executive Director/CEO, California Women Lead.

 

Currently there are 22 women serving in the State Assembly.  The worst-case scenario is that the number of women in the lower house will decrease to a low of 17, a loss of 5 seats.

 

In the State Senate (where only the odd number seats will be on the ballot), there are 12 women currently serving office.  The worst-case scenario for the upper house could be a loss of 3, bringing the total number to 9 women Senators.

 

Overall, there is a possibility of a loss of eight seats in the Legislative Women's Caucus. Click here to download the report»

We just completed our first Los Angeles If Not You, Then Who? Leadership Training Series - what a GREAT group of women. You will definitely see these women running for office and moving up the political ladder. California Women Lead firmly believes that these types of trainings are imperative to encouraging more women to run for office - at the state and local level. We are committed to doing what we can to empower women from all parts of the state to help them fulfill their leadership potential. You're invited to join help us celebrate the class' graduation at the networking reception Celebrating Women In Politics on May 10. Click here for details»