Win or lose, it's about showing up—and each group plays a unique role in the process.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Throughout her childhood, Glynda Carr, co-founder of Higher Heights for America, received a gift for every major milestone in her life. But the one she'll never forget is her mother driving her to City Hall on her 18th birthday and registering her to vote. Now, she and fellow co-founder Kimberly Peeler-Allen are committed to building an organization of over 75,000 women across the country who support and invest in black women running for office—so they can finally see themselves represented in the elected officials they're voting for.
"After the 2010 election cycle, Kimberly and I started to sketch out what a political organization would look like that was designed and led by black women," recalls Carr. "The conversation pivoted to how we see ourselves as black women in democracy." Carr and Peeler-Allen then spent two years researching and talking to leaders in the space. "We’ve made gains over the last couple of election cycles, but we’re still underrepresented and underserved," Carr says. "Black women know how to do more with less, but we shouldn’t have to."
By now, you’ve heard it 10 times over: a record number of women are running for office—most are winning, some are losing. It's the organizations led by women like Carr and Peeler-Allen that have become the backbone of the historic amount of women politically advancing at the local, state, and federal levels, working day in and day out to make sure they have the resources and tools they need to succeed. For some women, like EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock, it's their day job. For others, like Lily Herman of Get Her Elected, it's a nightly routine of rounding up volunteers after a 14-hour workday.
With less than two weeks until the American people decide which direction our country will move in, hundreds of volunteers under the helm of these organizations' leaders are dedicating every spare moment not only to make sure these women have a seat at the table, but that they get to sit in it starting November 6.
Here are six candidate organizations, both partisan and nonpartisan, and the powerhouse leaders behind them helping women take back America.
What They Do: EMILY's List elects pro-choice Democratic women to office. Stephanie Schriock is the second-ever president, following Ellen Malcolm who started the nationally-recognized organization in 1985 and served as president for 25 years.
How They Do It: Through tools and resources like online and in-person trainings and webinars, EMILY's List guides candidates through their campaign from start to finish. It typically endorses candidates running for secretary of state, attorney general, and federal offices, including the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, governor, and mayor.
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
How I Can Join: You can sign up to help a candidate win or register yourself in the system if you're interested in running.
