Happy Friday! Welcome to our Media Round Up. Each week, we’re collecting and sharing gender + politics stories. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

Here’s how voting can spur Black wealth, especially for women of color

Elaijah Gibbs-Hones, MSNBC

There is a direct link between political power and economic success, and that is especially true for communities of color and the women behind them. For example, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 directly narrowed the wage gap between Black and white men. The Voting Rights Act also opened the door for reducing the wage gap for Black woman as well – this is because Black women were able to elect candidates who were determined to close the wage gap for all. According to a study by the Washington Center for Equitable Growth conducted in 2020, the Voting Rights Act reduced the overall racial wealth gap by almost 20 percent.

Read the full story here.

Republican Mayra Flores announces 2024 election bid for Congress

Alan Nunez, Al Dia News

In a rematch against Democratic Representative Vicente Gonzalez of the 34^th South Texas District, former Republican Mayra Flores has announced her bid to regain the seat after losing it more than half a year ago. Flores first won the 34^th Congressional District seat in a June 2022 special election, making her the first Mexican-born congresswoman. Due to redistricting, the seat became easier to win for Democrats who she later lost two five months later in the general election. The National Republican Congressional Committee is hopeful Flores will once again flip the seat.

Read the full story here.

GOP group aimed at electing female candidates raises $2.3M in second quarter

Julia Manchester, The Hill

Winning for Women Action Fund, a group focused on electing GOP women candidates, reported on Tuesday that they have brought in $2.3 million during their second fundraising quarter. The group has designated some of the money to their first 10 endorsed candidates this cycle. A few of the candidates include Republican Representatives Young Kim (California), Maria Salazar (Florida), and Jen Kiggans (Virginia). Winning for Women Action Fund is the first super PAC dedicated to electing GOP women, raising more than $17 million during their last cycle.

Read the full story here.

Harris hosts session on AI and civil rights

Boston Globe

On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris convened a group of civil rights and labor leaders to discuss artificial intelligence. Critics warn that AI is already leading to perpetuating discrimination and increased watch of American workers. Vice President Harris emphasized the need for privacy protections for consumers and workers at the meeting on Wednesday. The meeting was a part of a broader administration to address and tackle concerns with artificial intelligence as its use among employers and the general public has surged.

Read the full story here.