Tracking the 100-Day Down-Ballot Candidates

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The Electing Women Alliance is thrilled to announce the launch of our 100-Day Down-Ballot Giving Plan. As a community of women donors with a track record of impacting electoral outcomes for women candidates, we have an opportunity this cycle to influence critical races at the state legislative level. Since this is an extension of our mission, we want to explain why support for down-ballot races is so important and why now.

The Critical Importance of Down-Ballot Races

With states increasingly gaining power, down-ballot races are pivotal in shaping policies that directly impact our lives, including reproductive rights, voting rights, and education. By investing in down-ballot candidates, we can advance policies that often face gridlock at the federal level – while also building the pipeline for women to run for higher office over time, with a particular emphasis on women of color.

There is also an enormous opportunity for women running for state legislative office in 2024. According to analysis from the Center for American Women and Politics, the number of women candidates running for federal office in 2024 has declined since last cycle, while there is a significant increase in the number of Democratic women running for state House across the country. These statistics pave the wave for women to flip chambers, increase representation, or in some cases break supermajorities in November.

Regular Slate Updates: Urgent Calls for Support

The 100-Day Down-Ballot Giving Plan focuses on the most competitive and consequential races across the country. As we shared with many of you at our annual convening in Washington, D.C., last October, we will be working with each of our groups to brainstorm the specific call to action in your states. On the national front, we will also regularly highlight a slate of candidates who urgently need our support to maximize our impact where it’s needed most.

Tracking Our Progress

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Tipping Point (Week) 12: State Legislative Women to Support Now

These 12 candidates are in the most competitive and consequential final-stretch races—and your support can push them to victory.

Michigan – The House majority hangs by a thread, and every seat is crucial to keeping Democrats in control:

Rep. Jaime Churches (HD 27), a local school teacher, is fighting to keep her seat against Turning Point Action endorsed-Rylee Linting;
Aisha Farooqi (HD 57), an attorney, is challenging two-term sitting incumbent, Thomas Kuhn, also an attorney;
Rep. Betsy Coffia (HD 103), a social worker, is running for reelection against Lisa Trombley, a military defense contractor.

New Mexico – The state needs to add six new women legislators to reach parity:

Gabby Begay (HD 39), a middle school teacher, is challenging Rep. Luis Terrazas, a conservative businessman.

Nevada – One state Senate pickup would secure a Democratic supermajority to mirror the Assembly and override the Republican Governor’s veto:

Sharifa Wahab (AD 35), a small business owner, is facing Rebecca Edgeworth, a medical director, in this open seat;
Sen. Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro (SD 6), an attorney, is facing tough competition from both Republican Jill Douglass and Independent Brad Barnhill;
Sen. Dallas Harris (SD 11), an attorney, is defending her seat against Lori Rogich, a business executive.

Tennessee – Every pickup helps weaken the Republican supermajority:

Allie Phillips (HD 75), a social media director whose abortion story went viral, is challenging state Rep. Jeff Burkart, a business owner.

Wisconsin – With all Assembly seats and half the Senate seats up for grabs, flipping seats this year could help tip the balance of power in both chambers:

Elizabeth Grabe (AD 51), who manages her family farm, is up against Todd Novak, a retired newspaper editor, for this newly redistricted seat;
Christy Welch (AD 88), a business manager, is aiming to flip this open seat against Ben Franklin, a businessman;
Jodi Habush Sinykin (SD 08), a Harvard-educated lawyer and policy expert, is challenging incumbent Duey Stroebel, a realtor;
Sarah Keyeski (SD 14), a mental health counselor, is looking to unseat Joan Ballwge, a corporate business owner.

Week 11: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Monday, October 14, and in celebration we’re featuring seven exceptional Indigenous women running in some of the most competitive state legislative races this cycle. Each of these candidates are battling opponents who would roll back crucial protections for the environment, reproductive rights, healthcare access, and more. Your donations can help them win and make a lasting impact on policies that matter to all of us:

Rep. Maxine Dibert (AK-HD 31), an educator and advocate for public education, is fighting to retain her seat against Bart LeBon, a former banker, aligns with conservative efforts to limit public spending, particularly in education and healthcare.
Rep. Mae Peshlakai (AZ-LD 6 House), a former educator, is running for reelection to protect reproductive healthcare access and uphold education funding against Lloyd Johnson, a businessman, who favors restricting reproductive rights, even in cases of rape.
Gabby Begay (NM-HD 39), an educator, aiming to address healthcare disparities and protect reproductive rights in New Mexico is challenging Rep. Luiz Terrazas, a businessman, has supported measures that restrict access to abortion and healthcare services.
Rep. Charlotte Little (NM-HD 68), a former nonprofit leader who is facing Nathan Brooks, a conservative attorney, has focused on reducing government programs and limiting reproductive healthcare options.
Assem. Shea Backus (NV-AD 37), an attorney focused on civil rights, is committed to expanding healthcare access and defending reproductive rights while her challenger, David Brog, a conservative activist, opposes abortion rights and supports policies that limit government involvement in healthcare.
Rep. Annessa Hartman (OR-HD 40), a small business owner and housing advocate will compete against Michael Newgard, a conservative realtor, opposes many of the state’s current housing policies and seeks to reduce funding for social programs.
Rep. Tawna Shanchez (OR-HD 43), a director of a social services nonprofit, is facing competition from Tim LeMaster, a real estate investor, who is campaigning on deregulating business and cutting social services.

Week 10: Joining Forces with Sister District

With less than 5 weeks until Election Day, we’re continuing to defend Democratic incumbents, flip seats, achieve gender parity and break GOP supermajorities in key states where decisions on reproductive rights, healthcare access, and education funding hang in the balance. That’s why we’re updating our slate to feature seven candidates endorsed by our partner Sister District, which builds power in state legislatures by matching volunteers and donors in safe Democratic areas with state legislative candidates and campaigns in swing districts nationwide.

Karen Gresham, (AZ- LD-4 House): Gresham, a CPA and education board member, is aiming to flip this seat held by incumbent state Rep. Matt Gress, a Republican who sponsored fetal parenthood legislation that would have led to Alabama-style IVF ruling restrictions.
Rep. Lorena Austin, (AZ-LD 9 House): Austin, a project manager, is running for re-election in a district that Republicans are looking to flip. Their opponent, Kylie Barber, is well-funded and determined to restrict reproductive healthcare access.
Rep. Judy Schwiebert, (AZ-LD 2 Senate): Schwiebert is seeking to unseat Sen. Shawnna Bolick, one of the few Republicans who voted to repeal Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban. Winning here could mean tying Republicans in the senate.
Jaime Churches, (MI-HD 27): Churches, a local school teacher, is running for re-election against far-right Republican Rylee Linting from Turning Point Action.
Shadia Martini, (MI-HD 54): Martini, a businesswoman and advocate for healthcare access, is challenging Rep. Donni Steele, a conservative who has consistently backed far-right policies aimed at restricting abortion rights.
Rep. Betsy Coffia, (MI-HD 103): Coffia, a social worker and public servant, is being challenged by Lisa Trombley, who seeks to undo progress on reproductive rights, healthcare access, and policies that support working families.
Lisa Grafstein, (NC-SD 13): Grafstein, a civil rights attorney, is defending her seat against Scott Lassiter, an advocate for education privatization, and Libertarian Susan Hogarth, who attracts voters disillusioned with the current political system.

Week 9: Breaking GOP Supermajorities

In the next 41 days, we have the power to disrupt entrenched Republican control in key state legislatures around the country, break supermajorities, and secure long-lasting change — all with bad-ass woman candidates.

Today we are promoting women in four states: North Carolina and Florida, where Democrats are on the verge of breaking supermajorities; Nevada, where Dems are one seat away from a supermajority in the Senate; and Tennessee, where Dems can chip away at a Republican supermajority and elect a woman in a rare winnable seat.

Here’s how we’re going to make an impact:

Florida

While chances of Democrats retaking control of either chamber are slim due to extreme gerrymandering, Democrats are fielding candidates in every state legislative district in an effort to break the Republican supermajority that has been rubber-stamping Gov. Ron DeSantis’ extreme agenda. The abortion rights and cannabis ballot measures along with increased excitement for Harris-Walz and Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will drive down-ballot wins.

Sarah Henry (FL – HD38), a nonprofit professional focused on healthcare and education, is running in a rematch of the 2022 race against state Rep. David Smith in this district that is receiving more resources from both parties than any other House race in Florida.
Maria Revelles (FL – HD47), a union leader and affordable housing advocate who would be the first Latina to represent the district, faces Paula Stark, a conservative prioritizing limiting housing programs.

North Carolina

As one of the most pivotal swing states in the country, North Carolina’s House is held by a slim GOP supermajority—just one seat. With only 11% of women of color represented, these races are crucial not just for flipping seats, but also for ensuring diverse voices in policymaking. By winning these key races, we can upend GOP control and bring new leadership to the state legislature.

Evonne Hopkins (NC – HD35), a progressive lawyer and activist, is running in this open seat against lobbyist Mike Schietzelt, who authored an amicus brief to the Dobbs ruling that ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade.
Rep. Diamond Stanton-Williams (NC – HD73), a nurse and community volunteer, is in a battleground district facing Jonathan Almond, an anti-abortion & gun control conservative.
Sen. Lisa Grafstein (NC – SD13), a LGBTQ civil rights lawyer, is defending this seat against Scott Lassiter, an education privatization advocate, and Susan Hogarth, a Libertarian who is increasing her influence with voters disillusioned with the two-party system.
Dr. Kim Sexton Lewter (NC – SD34), a public healthcare educator, is challenging state Sen. Paul Newton, supporter of corporate tax breaks, in a three-way race that also includes Libertarian Thomas B. Hill.
Woodson Bradley (NC – SD42), a successful business owner, is running in this open seat against Stacie McGinn, who prioritizes tax cuts over public investment.

Nevada

Nevada is a beacon of progress, boasting the nation’s only female majority in the legislature. However, the state Senate remains on the edge—just one more Democratic seat will secure a Senate supermajority and bolster our ability to pass pro-choice, pro-equality policies — even with a Republican Governor. While gender parity has been achieved, more representation from women of color is needed to reflect the diversity of the state.

Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro (NV – SD6), the Senate majority leader and an attorney, is facing tough competition from both Republican Jill M. Douglas & Independent Brad Lee Barnhill in one of Nevada’s most critical hold races.
Sen. Dallas Harris (NV- SD11), an attorney, is fighting to retain her seat against Lori Rogich, a well-funded and well-connected conservative business executive.

Tennessee

In a state where Republicans have dominated for decades, with a Senate split of 27R/6D and a House at 75R/23D, the opportunity to crack the GOP’s supermajority this decade starts with this winnable race that needs the cash. This race in Tennessee represents our best shot at reclaiming power for working families and women’s rights, against a backdrop of far too long held conservative control.

Allie Phillips (TN – HD75), a critical messenger in the fight for healthcare access, is challenging state Rep. Jeff Burkhart in this Republican-leaning district, who supports strict abortion restrictions.

Week 5: Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

Big news: We surpassed our $5,000 fundraising goal for the first cohort of state legislative candidates! We are now pushing towards a new goal of $10,000 to ensure critical candidates have the resources to secure key victories in the state chambers.

In the spirit of Women’s Equality Day, which we celebrated on Monday, this week’s slate spotlights eight trailblazing women candidates in three states—Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada—whose victories would help deliver gender parity in their states. In Nevada, we are seeking to hold two incumbents, while the candidates in Colorado and New Mexico are running to flip seats currently held by Republicans:

Amy Paschal (CO – HD18): Paschal, a software engineer, will take on state Rep. James Boelens, a conservative running on pro-business issues.
Jillaire McMilan (CO-HD19): McMilan, non-profit director and small business owner, is facing Dan Woog, a real estate developer.
Vivian Smotherman (CO – SD6): Smotherman, a farmer and veteran, is up against state Sen. Cleave Simpson Jr., a farmer. This race is largely about agriculture and economy.
Vicki Estrada-Bustillo (NM – HD31): Estrada-Bustillo, a small business owner, is challenging Nicole Chavez, a sales director with conservative views on community investments.
Gabby Begay (NM – HD39): Begay, a middle school teacher, is challenging state Rep. Luis Terrazas, a business owner focused on cutting government spending.
Michelle Sandoval (NM – HD57): Sandoval, an environmental lawyer, will compete against Catherine Cullen, a real estate broker with tough on crime interests.
Assemblywoman Brittney Miller (NV – AD5): Miller, an experienced educator, is running for re-election against Kelly Quinn, a businesswoman who opposes funding for public education.
Sen. Dallas Harris (NV – SD11): Harris, an incumbent state senator and attorney, is running against Lori Rogich, a business executive who favors corporate tax cuts.

Week 1: Primaries in Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin.

These states reflect time-sensitive opportunities to achieve gender parity and safeguard critical legislative chambers. Note that Electing Women has giving groups in all three of these states.

Wisconsin, Aug. 13: Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, and women make up only 31 percent of the state legislature.

Karen DeSanto, Assembly 40: Desanto, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin for the last 12 years, triumphed in her primary against two men and will now face a white man in the general.
Angela Stroud, Assembly 73: Stroud, an educator and researcher based in Ashland, bested her primary opponent in this newly redistricted state House seat.

Michigan, Aug. 6: Democrats have a razor-thin majority in both chambers. We need to protect women incumbents and add new women to the caucus in this critical purple state.

Tonya Myers Phillips, HD 7: Myers Phillips, an attorney and activist, was born and raised in Detroit and remains an advocate for her local community. She won her primary and is likely to hold this seat as a woman of color.
Mai Xiong, HD 13: Xiong is a first-generation American born in a refugee camp in Thailand. She’s helped Democrats regain control of the state House with her special election win. She dominated her primary with 71.4% of the vote, ensuring a strong position for women of color.
Aisha Farooqi, HD 57: Farooqi immigrated with her family to Michigan, where she served as president of her class at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Farooqi defeated two male primary candidates and will go on to the general to flip the seat, which the sitting Republican won by less than 2,000 votes.
Layla Taha, HD 25: Taha is running in Wayne County, where she was raised by a single mother. Despite a strong campaign, Layla lost her crowded primary to unseat a male incumbent who won a special election for this safe Democratic seat.

Washington, Aug. 6: Women are key to winning supermajorities in both chambers in a state with a closer-than-expected Governor’s race. Washington has a top-two primary system, where two candidates regardless of party advance to the general.

Natasha Hill, HD 3, Pos.1: Hill is an attorney and current editor of the Black Lens in Spokane, where she was born and raised. She advanced to the general election after defeating a Democratic white man in the top-two primary.
Janet St. Clair, SD 10: St. Clair had a 30-year career as a social worker while also serving as a volunteer foster parent. She currently serves as a County Commissioner in Island County. St. Clair secured a spot to in the top-two general, unseat a Republican incumbent first elected in 2018.
Maria Beltran, SD 14: Beltran, the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, built her career as a community organizer. Over the last decade, she has helped elect candidates up and down the ballot across the state. A Latina, she is running to flip a newly redrawn district, long-held by white male Republicans. She will move onto the general.
Marla Keethler, SD 17: Keethler, the mayor of White Salmon and a former teacher and journalist, is running for this newly redistricted open seat currently held by a Republican. She advanced to the general.
Brynn Felix, HD 23: Felix, general counsel of Peninsula Health Services, is running in a four-way primary against an appointed male state House member. Unfortunately, Brynn did not advance, placing third in a four-way race.

October 28, 2024