This year’s midterm elections saw historic victories by women on both sides of the aisle
KANSAS CITY -- The Women's Foundation today commended the record number of women sworn in to office in the Missouri General Assembly. According to the Jefferson City News Tribune, the 100th Missouri General Assembly will include 50 women lawmakers, a record for the state.
"We're overjoyed to see record numbers of women leading in the heartland and look forward to building on this momentum in 2019 and beyond," said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women's Foundation. "Closing the leadership gap is vital for our government to represent the diversity – and interests – of the communities it serves. Our research has shown that when more women are in leadership positions it increases public trust in government, boosts efficiency, and improves the lives of residents. We look forward to working with this new, more diverse Legislature to promote equity and opportunity for women and their families, and pave the way for even more women to serve in public office.”
Nine women were elected to the Missouri House and Senate leadership: Whip Sandy Crawford, Majority Caucus Secretary Jeannie Riddle, Minority Floor Leader Gina Walsh, Assistant Minority Floor Leader Kiki Curls, Minority Caucus Chair Karla May, Minority Whip Jamilah Nasheed, Caucus Chair Sonya Anderson, Caucus Secretary Chris Dinkins, and Minority Floor Leader Crystal Quade.
In Missouri, a total of 118 women ran for office in state, federal and judicial races in 2018. Sixty-one, or 53 percent, of those candidates won their respective races. The percentage of women in the Missouri General Assembly increased from 22.8 percent to 25.4 percent.
In 2014, the Women’s Foundation launched the Appointments Project® to remove barriers for women to serve on public boards and commissions so they are more reflective of the populations they serve. Based on a first-of-its-kind study that identified numerous barriers causing women to be underrepresented on public boards and commissions, the Appointments Project serves as a talent bank and advisor for women seeking appointed positions in state and local government.
The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.
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