Oregon has the third highest percent of women in city government, according to a new report from Rutgers University.
It may be proof of the success of organizations working to support and encourage women to run.
Groups like Emerge Oregon and Vote Run Lead Action train women and nonbinary people to run for office – and win.
Emerge Oregon alums currently hold more than 100 elected positions on city councils, school boards and in the legislature.
Beyond campaigning and fundraising, women receive support to overcome gender-based barriers.
The group’s outgoing director, Annie Ellison, noted that the political system wasn’t designed with women – particularly women of color – in mind.
“This is a system that was built – like, pretty immaculately – to keep women and women of color out, even if it’s not the intention now,” said Ellison. “When do we have city council meetings? You know, most of these city council meetings are unpaid, and they’re at 7:00 at night. If you’re a caregiver, that’s bedtime.”
But research shows that female elected officials bring more money back to their districts, pass more bipartisan legislation, and get more done overall.
State Director of Vote Run Lead Action, Becca Phelps, said the challenge isn’t just getting more women into office – it’s keeping them there.
She said in the past few years, several women in the Oregon Legislature have had to leave prematurely or not run again, citing the low pay and added responsibilities of daily life.
This is where organizations can step in to fill these gaps – advocating for higher pay, helping with childcare and transportation costs, even providing emotional support.
“Sometimes,” said Phelps, “it’s that personal care of having a friend check in on you to see how you’re doing when you’re an elected leader.”
After Tuesday’s election, 15 graduates of Emerge Oregon programs may be in the Oregon House and four may hold seats in the Senate.
Ellison added that the biggest barrier women face in running for office is confidence.
“If he can do it, you can do it,” said Ellison. “And here’s how you’re going to do it, and we’re going to help you.”
