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

How Do You Lead a State’s Coronavirus Response? Ask Her

Alisha Haridasani Gupta, The New York Times

More than 60 percent of state health directors are women. The health pandemic has pushed them into the spotlight as they stand beside governors and mayors to deliver updates and recommendations about states reopening. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the health director of Illinois, shares a glimpse into the high-pressure position.

You can read the full article here.

New Mexico may elect historic all-female U.S. House delegation

AP, Los Angeles Times

Voters in New Mexico may send an all-women delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, no matter which party wins in the fall. Women are seeking nominations in all six primary races for the state’s three congressional seats, each which has at least one Latina or Native America woman running. Retired political scientist Christine Marie Sierra says, “Women are now seen as viable candidates, and both parties in New Mexico are doing their part to recruit women to run for office.”

You can read the full article here.

Why more Republican women are running for the House than ever before

Li Zhou, Vox

Record numbers of Republican women are running for office this year. One reason? Following the wave of Democratic women who won in 2018, Republicans are stepping up their infrastructure for recruiting women. New PACs have helped recruit, fundraise for, and provide support for Republican women considering public office.

You can read the full article here.

Women are facing major challenges during COVID-19 ⁠— But it won’t stop them from voting: poll

Lauren Leader, NBC News

New research from the non-partisan organization All In Together shows that 82% of women say they will almost certainly vote in the presidential election. The trend is true across political affiliation, indicating that women still view their vote as important. Gender on the Ballot research found that 2016 marked a new era of women’s political participation, which shows no sign of slowing down in 2020.

You can read the full article here.

Why a Biden Victory Hinges on Picking the Right Running Mate

Rachel Bitecofer, The New York Times

VP speculation is picking up as Biden’s team begins to vet candidates. Researcher Rachel Bitecofer says it’s critical to pick a ticket balancer in order to signal his campaign’s strategy. Greater ideological or geographic diversity will energize the Democratic base, which will be critical in order to get voters to the polls.

You can read the full article here.

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