Women currently make up more than 50% of the United States but are less than 25% of Congress. This needs to change. 

We have been proud to partner with She Should Run for our collection supporting women in politics. She Should Run is a non-partisan organization working to equip women with the tools they need to run for public office and to pursue gender equality. Are you considering running for office, or do you know someone who should? Check out She Should Run’s resources to get started (we think you should run!) 

Today we wanted to share five awesome women striving to make a difference in their communities and work towards a more equitable world. 

Sybrina Fulton

Where she’s running 

Sybrina has qualified to run in Florida and is seeking an open seat for Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 1.

In a few words

Sybrina Fulton has dedicated her adult life to public service and improving her community of Miami-Dade. She’s worked in local government for over 20 years giving her unique insights into the importance of public service and its role in the lives of others. Following 2017 and the murder of her son, Trayvon Martin, Sybrina has become a leading voice against gun violence and has created The Trayvon Martin Foundation to bring awareness to this prominent issue, and educate on how to stay safe and empower themselves to become catalysts for change.

Her priorities

Transportation, economic opportunity, housing affordability.

Deb Haaland

Where she’s running

Deb is running for reelection for U.S. House of Representatives, New Mexico, District 1

In a few words

Deb Haaland is an experienced leader, advocate for environmental protection, a dedicated public servant, a 35th generation New Mexican and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna. She has committed much of her life to organize communities to stand up for New Mexico families, and dedicated time and efforts in her first term to supporting Indigenous communities. In 2014 she became the first Native American woman to be elected to lead a State Party, and in 2018 she was elected as one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. 

Her priorities

Climate and environment, economy and taxes, Medicare for all, working families.

Jennifer Carroll Foy

Where she’s running

Jennifer is running for Governor of Virginia in 2021.

In a few words

Jennifer Carroll Foy was one of the first African-American women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute. She has been dedicated to serving her community as a magistrate judge and a public defender and is the mother of two young children. Recently, as the chief sponsor of the House bill to sanction the Equal Rights Amendment, she helped Virginia become the 38th state to back it. If Jennifer were to win this election she would be Virginia’s first female governor and the US’s first-ever Black female governor.

Her priorities

Jobs and the economy, affordable healthcare, protecting our environment responding to COVID-19.

Gina Ortiz Jones

Where she’s running

Gina is running for U.S. House of Representatives, Texas, District 23

In a few words

Gina Ortiz Jones has a long history of being a civil servant starting in the U.S. military. She served as an intelligence officer in the Air Force where she served 12-years in active duty service being deployed to Iraq and serving under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Following her years of service, she advised on operations in Latin American and Africa using her expertise in national security and intelligence. Gina also was recognized as a 2016 American Council on Germany Young Leader and is a Council on Foreign Relations Term Member and part of the Truman National Security Project Defense Council. If elected, Gina will be the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Texas, and just the third openly LGBTQ+ person of color elected to Congress. 

Her priorities

Creating jobs and growing the economy, national security, accessible and affordable healthcare, responsible immigration reform, quality education. Protecting seniors, vets, civil rights, and freedoms.

Hiral Tipirneni

Where she’s running

Hiral is running for U.S. House of Representatives, Arizona, District 6

In a few words

Hiral Tipirnenia has been involved in serving her community for more than 20 years. She has worked as an emergency room physician and after losing her mother and nephew to cancer, directed her passion into work as a cancer research advocate. Most recently, Hiral became a board member of the Maricopa Health Foundation which helps the county’s public health care delivery system. She raised her three children in the Arrowhead community while serving in several emergency departments around the area. If elected she would be the third Indian-American woman to serve in congress. 

Her priorities

Health care, economy, retirement security and veterans, education, government accountability, immigration and border security, 2nd amendment, women’s reproductive rights, net neutrality, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.