I take immense pride in being part of a record-breaking group of women who appeared on the ballot in Iowa just a year ago. Although I didn’t secure the position of state representative on November 8, 2016, I gained valuable insights that I want to share with other women contemplating a run for office. While I’m not pursuing a rematch in 2018, I am committed to fostering a supportive environment for women aiming to succeed in their campaigns next year.
Even though my race drew significant attention from both political parties (think: substantial funding), I believe my advice might prove helpful to women vying for local positions like city council or school board.
First off, thank you for considering a run for public office. It’s no small feat to put yourself out there, and if this is your first experience in politics, it can be downright daunting. To put it frankly, I was so anxious after announcing my candidacy that I felt physically ill for the first week. Take it one day at a time; you’ll find your footing, and it will become easier.
The reality is that campaigning as a woman comes with its own set of challenges that differ significantly from those faced by men. Here are some crucial points I wish I had known before stepping into the political arena:
- Know Your Limits on What You Can Tolerate
Expect to encounter sexist remarks. Some may be unintentionally harmless, while others will be outright offensive. Prepare some responses, including polite ways to exit a conversation when necessary. After countless comments suggesting that my smile would win votes, I learned to counter with, “My policies are even better!” This often lightened the mood and redirected the conversation to more productive topics. - Build Your Support System
Surround yourself with a group of strong allies who will defend you when you can’t respond. If a social media troll makes hurtful comments about a photo of you and your kids, you’ll want to react strongly, but sometimes it’s better to let your friends handle it (thanks for having my back, Lisa!). - Establish a Trusted Circle
Form a group that meets regularly for coffee or drinks—whether it’s two people or ten, these individuals should be people you love and trust. They will help maintain your confidence, offer advice, and let you vent. Most importantly, they’ll be honest with you when you might be veering off track. This team should understand your motivations for running to keep you grounded. (For the record, my support group consisted solely of my husband and a beer club. Don’t make my mistake—expand your circle!) - Wear Your “Mom” Title Proudly
I often felt intimidated when asked by older women how I planned to juggle a political career with young children at home. My response was always rooted in the truth: I was running to create a better future for my kids. I sometimes downplayed my role as a mother out of fear, which was a mistake. Embracing my identity as a mom was my greatest asset as a candidate, and I should have been more vocal about it. - Engage and Inquire
Listening is one of the strongest suits women bring to the political table, and it’s a skill to be proud of. I spent more time listening to voters than talking about myself. When unsure about an issue, I would often turn the question back to the person asking. Admitting that you don’t have all the answers is perfectly acceptable—chances are they have strong opinions and insights to share. “That’s an intriguing topic, and I can tell it’s important to you. Can you elaborate on why it matters to your family?” You’ll likely learn something valuable, which will enrich your future discussions.
We desperately need more women to run for office. Women cannot win if they don’t step forward, and without greater female representation, we won’t see significant progress on vital issues like affordable childcare, justice for victims of domestic violence, reproductive health, and even broader matters like education and environmental concerns.
Even if you feel more comfortable behind the scenes, your contributions are invaluable. The backbone of my campaign was made up of phenomenal women who dedicated their time to knocking on doors and making calls. Yet, when it came to the upper echelons of decision-making, those voices were sorely missing.
I respect the dedicated men leading our state party and have grown close to my campaign managers, but I firmly believe that the decision-making process would have benefited from a woman’s perspective. Why were two men making choices about my campaign wardrobe?
Here’s a quick story: During a fundraiser, I remarked, “We need representatives who reflect the Iowa of today, not the Iowa of yesterday. I have nothing against older white men; I’m married to one. Many of you supported an older white man like Bernie Sanders. But we need diverse voices in Des Moines.”
Following my statement, an older gentleman in the audience contacted another older man in politics, who then reached out to my campaign manager to express his discontent. How dare a newcomer suggest that we need more diversity in our political landscape?
So, I urge you to run for office and help diversify our leadership. Just be prepared—you might ruffle some feathers along the way!
If you’re curious about home insemination options, check out this resource on artificial insemination kits. And for those navigating pregnancy week by week, March of Dimes offers valuable insights. For further reading on the topic of women in politics and leadership roles, visit Modern Family Blog.
In summary, the journey of running for office is fraught with challenges, especially for women. It requires courage, a solid support network, and a commitment to authenticity. Embrace your unique perspective and experiences, and remember that your voice matters.