California Women’s List Will Study How Hostility Toward Women Running for Office Impacts Mental Health

Groundbreaking project launched after observing severe hardships in 2022 election cycle

SACRAMENTO (March 30, 2023) – California Women’s List launched a first-of-its-kind bipartisan research pilot examining the hostility that women experience when running for elected office, and its effects on mental health and wellbeing. With no existing research on the issue, CWL’s findings will fill a major gap in Californians’ understanding of how candidates of different genders experience campaigning. 

"Women will continue to run for office and women will continue to win, but the level of hostility they face on the campaign trail is unacceptable. By shedding a light on the adversity we know women face on the campaign trail, this project will allow us to name the problem and start to solve it," said California Controller Malia Cohen.

"This year, we saw more women and LGBTQ+ representation in the legislature than ever before. If we want to continue to see our government reflect the diversity of California, then we need to confront the adversity that candidates from underrepresented communities face. I am proud to have filled out California Women's List's survey and encourage everyone to do so, so that our stories will be heard," said California State Senator Caroline Menjivar.

CWL’s research pilot seeks to gather anonymous survey data from candidates of all genders who ran for office in California from 2016 to 2022. The survey is open to all candidates, regardless of party affiliation and regardless of the outcome of their race. The survey portal is open until April 30, 2023. To supplement survey data, the research team will hold wellness roundtables with select former CWL-endorsed candidates. Findings and any related policy recommendations to improve mental health and wellbeing for candidates will be published later this year. CWL has retained experts in electoral politics, qualitative research, and clinical mental health to guide the project. 

“Our endorsed candidates run fierce, values-driven campaigns, but regularly contend with gender-based harassment, hostility and disparagement,” said CWL Board President Marissa Roy. “While there’s no question that women running for office have and will continue to overcome hostile behavior, Californians should be asking ourselves whether that’s the culture we would like to continue to operate within. That’s why we initiated this research.”

In 2022, CWL endorsed the largest pro-choice slate of women candidates in the state, totaling 55 candidates. Approximately two-thirds of endorsed candidates were women of color. 64% of endorsed candidates won their elections.

Candidates who ran for office from 2016 to 2022 have received direct access to the survey. Any candidates who have not received the survey or would like to learn more are encouraged to contact CWL at marissa@cawomenslist.org.

###

Contact

Marissa Roy, Board President, marissa@cawomenslist.org 

About California Women’s List

California Women’s List (CWL) is a Political Action Committee that endorses, fundaises for, and elects women to public office in California. Its mission is to elect women who will make California more just and equitable for all. CWL is run by volunteer board members from across the state who lend their time and talents to CWL’s mission and operations. Learn more at californiawomenslist.org.