Race

While all women are underrepresented in elected office, women of color face additional barriers. 

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Women of color make up 19 percent of the U.S. population, but only make up:

• 8.8% of members of Congress

• 2.0% of governors

• 7.3% of state legislators

• 10.0% of mayors in 100 largest cities

The degree to which women of color are underrepresented makes it harder to increase their representation because of the huge advantage that incumbent candidates have over challengers in the majority of elections.

There is hope for the representation of women of color moving forward. In November 2018, women of color's representation reached an all time high in the 116th Congress, with 47 women of color serving across the House and Senate. This upward trajectory is great news for our national progress towards gender parity.

Check out our Milestones page to learn more about women breaking barriers throughout history.

Check out the Center for American Women and Politics to learn more about elected women of color.