As the summer days begin to wane and the subtle hint of fall appears on the horizon, many of us are preparing for the start of a fresh school year. (Even if it’s still really hot in D.C. through September!) For us at AU WPI, this particular back-to-school season holds a special significance: it marks a full year since Gender on the Ballot found its home fully under our umbrella. It’s been a year of growth, collaboration, and continued dedication to understanding and advancing women’s political representation.

Where We Stand Today (as of July 2025):

• In Congress: According to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, there are currently 150 women serving in the U.S. Congress in the 119th Congress (125 in the House, 25 in the Senate). While this is a high number, the record was 152, set briefly after special elections in 2024.
• Governors: As of July 2025, 12 women are serving as state governors. A record of 14 women governors was briefly reached in January 2025. Looking ahead, the November 2025 elections include two states (Virginia and New Jersey) with women as major gubernatorial candidates. Virginia will elect its first female governor in an all-woman race, and Mikie Sherrill has a shot at becoming the first democratic woman governor of New Jersey.  (Republican Christine Todd Whitman is the only woman elected governor in New Jersey, and she served from 1994-2001). With 36 states holding gubernatorial elections in 2026, there’s potential for a new record.

Leadership Roles:

Beyond raw numbers, leadership roles are vital. In the U.S. Senate, women hold key leadership and committee chairs, like Senator Susan Collins (Appropriations Committee). However, in the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, there is a record low number of women chairing committees, especially among Republicans. This highlights a significant challenge in achieving equitable representation in powerful leadership positions. At the state level, 107 women serve as top legislative leaders in 2025, a new record.

Looking Ahead: Senate and Cabinet Representation

• U.S. Senate: The 2026 Senate elections will contest 33 of 100 seats. The current 26 women in the Senate matches the 2020 record. With women actively running in upcoming races and a growing pipeline from state politics, there’s potential for the total number of women in the Senate to increase and set a new record.
• Cabinet Secretaries: As of July 2025, 8 women serve in the current presidential Cabinet (including Cabinet-level positions). Historically, the highest number concurrently serving was 13 under the Biden administration. While not a record high now, future administrations could see different levels of female representation.

While there’s still a way to go for equal representation, there is a potential for gains in the coming years.