The Gender Paradox in U.S. Politics: Women Are Advancing in State Legislatures but Stall Elsewhere

For the first time since 2016, women did not see net gains in congressional representation. But at the state level, female lawmakers set a record high. (Credit: Getty Images)

The 2024 general election saw major gains for the Republican Party, winning control over the White House, House of Representatives, and Senate. As conservatives and Trump-allies, who have sworn on ending DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts, prepare to assume their new posts in January, new data shows that for the first time in 2016, women did not see a net gain in congressional representation.

In state legislatures, however, there is a different story.