Research and Scholarship

CAWP research and research by CAWP scholars that addresses emerging questions about American women's political participation. 

  • From Data to Diversity: The Demographics of New Jersey's Elected Officials

    A report on the gender and ethnic diversity of New Jersey's elected public officials.

    Report
    Research
    New Jersey
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
    Congress
    State Legislature
    Local
  • Black Women in American Politics 2023

    by Kelly Dittmar, Ph.D.

    This report from the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) and the Higher Heights Leadership Fund outlines the status of Black women in American politics as of June 2023. 

    Report
    Research
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
    Federal Executive
    Congress
    Statewide Executive
    State Legislature
    Local
  • Women in Election 2022: Marking Midterm Progress

    by Kelly Dittmar, Ph.D.

    This report analyzes women’s electoral success in 2022, focusing on the numbers, and puts it into historical context—with special attention to how 2022 compared to the historic elections that preceded it.

    Report
    Research
    CAWP Scholar
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Political Parties
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
    Elective Office
    Congress
    Statewide Executive
    State Legislature
  • Latinas in U.S. Politics 2022

    by Kelly Dittmar, Ph.D.

    This report from the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) and Latinas Represent outlines the status of Latinas in American politics as of October 2022. 

    Report
    Research
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
    Elective Office
    Federal Executive
    Congress
    Statewide Executive
    State Legislature
    Local
  • "The politics of “women of color”: a group identity worth investigating" in Politics, Groups and Identities

    By Yalidy Matos,Stacey Greene, and Kira Sanbonmatsu

    This article is the first public opinion study to examine whether there is continued utility in a "women of color" (WOC) identity. The article finds that a majority of Black women and Latinas self-identify as WOC and see it as an important part of their identity.

    Article
    Research
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
  • Gender and Elections: Shaping the Future of American Politics, 5th Edition

    The fifth edition of Gender and Elections offers a lively, multi-faceted account of the role of gender in the electoral process through the 2020 elections.

    Book
    Research
    CAWP Scholar
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Political Parties
    Federal Executive
    Congress
    Statewide Executive
    State Legislature
  •  "Women Voters and the Utility of Campaigning as “Women of Color” in Journal of Women, Politics & Policy

    By Stacey Greene, Yalidy Matos, and Kira Sanbonmatsu

    This article analyzes original survey data to probe voter reaction to the women of color identity among self-identified Black women, Latinas, and white women. We evaluate whether women are aware of the term "women of color" and analyze the importance they place on the election of women of color candidates.

    Article
    Research
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
  • The Money Race for the State Legislature

    by Kira Sanbonmatsu and Claire Gothreau

    This report is the third in the CAWP Women, Money, and Politics series. Analyzing 2020 campaign contributions data, the report examines state legislative contests with a focus on general elections. It identifies a large gender gap in giving to state legislative elections and examines giving patterns by political party. The report also identifies challenges and opportunities facing women candidates, comparing candidates by party and race/ethnicity. This report is made possible through a collaboration with OpenSecrets.

    Report
    CAWP Women, Money, and Politics Series
    Research
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Political Parties
    State Legislature
  • Reaching Higher: Black Women in American Politics 2021

    by Kelly Dittmar, Ph.D.

    This report from the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) and the Higher Heights Leadership Fund outlines the status of Black women in American politics as of September 2021. 

    Report
    Research
    Gender and Race/Ethnicity
    Federal Executive
    Congress
    Statewide Executive
    State Legislature
    Local
  • Money Matters in the Fifty States

    by Kira Sanbonmatsu and Claire Gothreau

    This report is the second in the CAWP Women, Money, and Politics series. Analyzing 2001-2020 campaign contributions data, the report examines attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer primary elections and general election contests for all statewide executive offices (other than governor and lt. governor). It identifies challenges and opportunities facing women as donors and candidates with analysis of candidate party and race/ethnicity. This is the companion study to our report on gubernatorial elections, The Money Hurdle. This report is made possible through a collaboration with OpenSecrets.

    Report
    CAWP Women, Money, and Politics Series
    Research
    Candidates and Campaigns
    Political Parties
    Statewide Executive