When female representation in politics increases, democratic quality rises in tandem. This phenomenon extends beyond gender equity to include race, ability, and other forms of identity. Diverse leadership fosters inclusive policies, stronger institutions and an overall increase in trust among the electorate. Throughout history, it has become evident that descriptive representation matters beyond symbolism; simply put, representation is essential to achieving substantial change.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, several gubernatorial, state legislative and mayoral elections took place, along with numerous local races. As winners were declared, the United States saw monumental and historic changes in leadership across the country. Most notably, there was a significant rise in the number of women elected to office.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger was elected Virginia’s first female governor, marking landmark progress for a state that often swings between Democratic and Republican control. Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA officer, ran a strong campaign on affordability, education, and public safety. Her victory not only represents progress for women in politics but also a win for the Democratic party, as she flipped the seat held by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
As of January 2025, 13 of 50 of U.S. governors were women, or a remarkably low 26%. Given that women make up over 50% of the U.S. population, the disparity is clear. Spanberger’s win signals change and serves as an inspiration to women in politics and citizens nationwide.
Also in Virginia, Ghazala F. Hashmi became the first Muslim woman elected statewide after winning the lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday night. Her victory is yet another milestone for descriptive representation in politics, underscoring how diversifying policymakers is critical to creating meaningful change.
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill was elected governor, defeating Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli, who was enthusiastically endorsed by President Donald Trump. Sherrill’s win both increases the amount of women in gubernatorial positions and demonstrates the weakening of Trump’s influence. There is a clear energy across the Democratic party right now, and it extends to the independent voter as well: Americans are growing fatigued with Trump’s brand of politics.
History was also made in Detroit, where Democrat Mary Sheffield became the city’s first female mayor. She succeeds longtime Mayor Mike Duggan, who has held office for almost 12 years, marking a shift in voter priorities and a new chapter in Detroit’s leadership.
Closer to home, St. Paul elected Kaohly Her as the city’s first female and Hmong mayor. Her win, strongly backed by the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor party (DFL) legislators, unseats current mayor, Melvin Carter. Her victory also makes the city council composed entirely of women.
As of May 2024, only “1,616 mayors and officials who perform mayoral functions of U.S. cities, towns, and minor civil divisions with populations over 30,000, 433, or 26.8%, were women,” according to the Center for American Women and Politics. Both Sheffield and Her’s victories mark a step in the right direction, increasing representation and gender diversity in positions of power across the country.
Why does descriptive representation matter — and why is it so vital to democracy? The answer is simple. Democracy, as President Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg Address is, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” His words capture the principles of self-government and the democratic values that the U.S. strives to uphold. I further this, and interpret it to argue and stand for the importance of representation in our government.
A democracy is meant to represent all citizens that live within it, not just a small subset of the elites. When women, or any group, are so blatantly underrepresented, the legitimacy of the system comes into question. Descriptive representation signals that the nation’s political institutions belong to each and every citizen, not just a privileged few.
As the United States moves toward becoming a majority-minority country, it will be fascinating to see how political representation evolves. With descriptive representation comes substantive representation, and it will be compelling to see how policies shift alongside the policymakers themselves.
