GOP sweep affects number of females elected in Iowa
A record-setting 65 women ran for state and federal office in last week’s general election, but only about 30 were successful, according to 50-50 in 2020 leaders.
Their attempts took a hit from the surge in Republican victories, according to a release sent out by the bipartisan nonprofit organization working to help increase the number of women running for office.
“It was bound to affect women’s chances to make gains in public offices in Iowa as fewer Republican than Democrat women ran,” said 50-50 co-founder Maggie Tinsman, a former Iowa state senator from Bettendorf. “There are three times as many female Democrats as female Republican legislators in Iowa. We have long said more Republican women need to step up to the challenge of running for office.”
Regardless, another 50-50 co-founder said the organization is “extremely proud” of the women who stepped forward to campaign.
“We know that each one invested tremendous amounts of time, energy and passion in their quest for public office,” former Iowa City state Sen. Jean Lloyd-Jones said. “Whether or not they succeeded, we will be working with them in the months ahead as we continue to support their political ambitions, while encouraging other women to join them in office and on the campaign trail.”
For a full list of Iowa election results, click here.
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