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The opportunity to make history lies in the hands of Pennsylvania voters this November, as the nation stands on the brink of electing the first female president, the first Asian American president, and the first woman of color president.
But the top of the ticket is not the only place where voters can make a lasting impact. Across the state, hundreds of women are running to make history in their local communities.
Currently, women hold just 32% of the seats in the General Assembly, ranking 26th out of the 50 states for female representation. This number, which is wildly out of step with both the national and state gender ratio, is a disappointing figure for a state with a legacy of challenging and redefining historic norms.
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Pennsylvania boasts a remarkable slate of women currently seeking their first term, however.
Consider Anna Payne, the 37-year-old Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania’s 137th House District. Payne was born with cystic fibrosis and was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer three years ago. Payne uses her experience to advocate for the disability community, and juggles campaigning alongside her work with the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Council and the Bucks County Cystic Fibrosis Alliance.
Or Megan Kocher, a 25-year-old candidate who has lived her entire life in the 119th House District, and is running to be the first woman elected to represent the district.
Or Anna Thomas, a 28-year-old who grew up in the Lehigh Valley in a family of Indian and Malaysian immigrants. Thomas recently received her master’s from the University of Pennsylvania, and instead of taking her degree to a major city, returned to her home community to run for office in the hope of making the district a better place for families like hers.
Or Eleanor Breslin, who made history as the first woman to lead Tinicum Township, and now hopes to bring her experience as a trial lawyer to the 143rd House District.
Or Angela Girol, who has worked in Pennsylvania public schools for over 20 years, and wants to prioritize schools in the 39th House District after serving as a member of the school board.
Or Hadley Haas, who, after both her sons were born hard of hearing, used her own experience fighting for her children in the 44th House District to advocate for other families with less access and support from the medical system.
These candidates embody the potential and promise of Pennsylvania.
Let’s pair the historic significance of Kamala Harris’ candidacy with historic elections across the state. When you head to the ballot box in a few months, remember that you have the power to shape the future of Pennsylvania and advance gender equity down ballot.
Electing women and increasing the number of female legislators has been shown to have profound positive impacts on communities, legislatures, political parties, and citizens’ lives, and helps democracy deliver. Further research indicates that the gender of a legislator has an important impact on their policy priorities. As more women are elected to office, there is an increase in policymaking that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, and people of color.
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Leadership is not solely defined by the top of the ticket, and breaking the glass ceiling requires more than electing a female president. The voters in Pennsylvania have a momentous opportunity to drive the country forward this electoral season.
Caroline Welles is the executive director of the First Ask, an organization dedicated to supporting first-time, female candidates for state legislatures across the country.
