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MPR News Staff

Women in politics: The 2020 election

A woman speaks at a podium.
Democratic vice presidential nominee U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris speaks on the third night of the Democratic National Convention from the Chase Center on Aug. 19 in Wilmington, Del.
Win McNamee | Getty Images file

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A record number of women ran in the Democratic presidential nominating contest in 2020. U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris is running for vice president, and a record number of women are running for the U.S. Congress in 2020.

Yet, women are still underrepresented at every level of office, and two white men are vying for the presidency. What explains women's gains, persistent underrepresentation, and the future for women in politics?

Jennifer Lawless
Jennifer L. Lawless is professor of politics at the University of Virginia.
AP Photo

University of Virginia politics professor Jennifer Lawless has published extensive research on women and politics, and she discusses gender dynamics in the 2020 elections and women's underrepresentation.

Lawless is the author of many books, including “It Still Takes a Candidate: Why Women Don’t Run for Office.”

University of Minnesota political science professor Kathryn Pearson moderated the discussion, virtually, on Oct. 7. The event was hosted by the University of Minnesota Humphrey School.