Advancing Women in Politics: A Decade of Progress in California
Los Angeles, CA – September 30, 2023: Sad Elhawary cheers during the 2024 campaign kickoff in California’s Legislative District 57. This event underscores continued efforts in promoting gender parity within the state’s political landscape.
Close the Gap California: A Mission for Gender Parity
Founded in 2013, Close the Gap California aims to achieve gender parity in the California Legislature by 2028. As of now, women hold 48% of the seats in Congress, marking a significant milestone with gender parity in the Senate achieved. Over the past decade, California’s female Democratic state legislators have more than doubled, now representing over half of all Democratic members in Congress.
Impact Assessment of Campaign Strategies
A recent assessment conducted for the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) analyzed the effectiveness of various campaign models. It highlights the vital role of strategic recruitment methods in bolstering women’s representation. The report tracks the progress of female candidates identified through targeted interventions aimed at closing the gender gap.
Strategic Recruitment and Support
Close the Gap California strategically identifies districts primed for female candidates. This involves connecting with local professionals and engaging potential candidates through candid discussions about career in office. Resources such as advice and network access are also made available to these aspiring leaders. Elizabeth Bettenture, a candidate groomed by Close the Gap, remarked, “I think it plays a really important role in getting women to do things.“
Collaborating with Advocacy Groups
The initiative works alongside various organizations to enhance candidate recruitment while circumventing traditional gatekeeping practices. This alliance fosters synergy among groups with common goals, thereby promoting collective efforts for enhancing women’s political representation. Ludwich Brain, Executive Director of the California Donor Table, noted, “It closes the gap by essentially helping people think through their own slates, such as labor slates, environmental slates…“
Achievements and Future Steps
Currently, 25 women recruited by Close the Gap represent more than half of Democratic women in the California Legislature, accounting for over a quarter of the Democratic majority caucus. At a recent event, legislators emphasized the significance of improving women’s representation in government as a means to enhance legislative impact. Assemblymember Mia Bonta emphasized the necessity of sisterhood and support among women in politics, stating, “It was very important that I had a woman who was particularly rooting for me…“
The Path Forward for Gender Equality in Politics
The CAWP’s research reveals that numerical gender equality does not consistently translate to political power. Ongoing efforts highlighted in the Close the Gap report advocate for the disruption of traditional power dynamics. Bonta pointed out the challenge of female officeholders feeling pressured to conform to “male-like” norms. She stated, “For me, the next step in this work is how we ensure that we are building a pipeline.“
The Broader Implications of Close the Gap’s Work
Close the Gap California’s model serves not only as a benchmark for progress in California but also as a blueprint for advancing women’s political representation across the country. The strategies employed within the unique political landscape of California may hold significant potential for similar initiatives in other states and radices advocating for gender equality in politics.