Despite slight gains in congressional representation in 2012, women make up only 18.3% of the United States Congress. Research points to multiple reasons for women's political underrepresentation, including the need for more women to run. But when women do run, how do they fare?

What's the outlook for women running for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and how does it compare with past years? Find out in the Center for American Women and Politics' (CAWP) latest Closer Look research brief. In its latest edition of "A Closer Look," CAWP reports that with 34 gubernatorial races across the country, 29 women in 18 states have indicated that they are likely candidates. The brief highlights key races, sets the 2014 elections in the context of past records for women candidates, and outlines the importance of having more women senators.

This report assesses the extent to which women members of Congress see themselves and act as surrogate representatives for women who may live beyond the borders of their districts. (Data based on larger CAWP report on women members of the 103rd and 104th Congresses.)