Executive Summary

Women are more than half the population, but you wouldn't know by walking the halls of state capitols. Across the country, fewer than 30% of state legislators are women; in the Deep South, fewer than 20%; and for women of color, below 10%. At the current rate of change, it will take more than 100 years for women in the Deep South to reach political parity. Women should not have to wait so long. Parity is possible within 30 years. Through increased investment, strategic targeting, and dynamic partnerships, we will break down barriers and create new pathways for diverse women to run for office and win. The Ascend Fund is committed to accelerating the pace of parity, because, when women lead, our nation is transformed. Women bring new perspectives and prioritize different issues. Women also govern differently, reaching across the aisle, building coalitions, and compromising. When women rise, we all rise.

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