In the News

Rep. Madison Cawthorn faces sexual harassment allegations, Rep. Adam Kinzinger discusses the future of the GOP, and singer-songwriter HER talks about her song "Fight for You." In honor of Women's History Month, support more women running for public office by visiting dailyshow.com/SheShouldRun.

Every woman has something to bring to the table. The work you do now, whether it be in an office, your own business, or even your own home, translates to skills and insight you could bring to public office. There's no one way to be qualified, and you'd be surprised to learn that you have an extensive network of peers to tap into for support.

“My vote is about building a better, more representative government. We need to elect people who want to lift up communities that otherwise wouldn’t be able to invest the time and muscle necessary for the change they so desperately need. We’re standing on the shoulders of women who pushed us to where we are today—and it’s this election, and every election thereafter, that we need to invest in a better, more equitable tomorrow.”

Erin Loos Cutraro, CEO of the nonpartisan organization She Should Run, which helps women from both political parties run for office, said it's a "heavier lift" to reach potential first-time candidates in Republican circles than Democratic communities. "They feel really alone when they're thinking about running for office," Cutraro said of conservative women, "They don't see themselves represented, they don't see the same narrative being prioritized within the institutional players on the Republican side. That built-in intentional support is not there, which means that it can be a really lonely process."

“2020 continues to be a monumental year, and as so many of us are activating — from living in a pandemic and fighting for our families and communities in uncertain economic times, to dismantling racist systems and marching on the streets — we must use this as an opportunity to inspire young women and girls to lead,” Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run tells ESSENCE.

“With the upcoming elections and the current push for equality and representation, 2020 is an incredible time for us to inspire young women and girls to lead,” said Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run. “Understanding the role we play in empowering our daughters is the first step—we have to have healthy conversations at home and encourage curiosity. By getting them excited today, we’re giving them the confidence to raise their voices and run for office tomorrow.”

"Mattel released on Tuesday a line of politically themed Barbie dolls, including a political candidate, a campaign manager, a fundraiser, and a voter Barbie. The company made the dolls with She Should Run, a nonprofit that works to increase the number of women running for office."

"Congratulations to our dear friends at She Should Run for partnering with Mattel to provide girls and boys the opportunity to internalize women’s leadership in their everyday play. While I love that more girls will get to envision their powerful futures, I am also excited for the boys whose parents buy them these dolls."

"To launch the set, Barbie teamed up with She Should Run, a nonprofit that supports and guides women considering a run for office, in order to help teach young girls about different leadership roles and the importance of voting."

Now, when it comes to what type of resume is required, “all bets are off,” said Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run, which encourages women to seek political office. “After the election in 2016, what we learned is there isn’t that one background that is the perfect formula."

Getting politically active may feel intimidating if you're not sure where to start, but it's never too late to get involved and make your voice heard. A beginner's guide to making a difference.

Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run, agrees that tapping into training tools is the right first step. "There are so many resources out there, and even great books that break down how to run a successful race," she says. "If that fire in the belly is there, the steps that you need to take in order to run a successful race can absolutely happen when you plug in." She suggests starting with Represent: A Woman’s Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World.