Elect Women NJ launches 2021 endorsement application to increase number of women in elected local office 

Middletown, NJ, July 7, 2021—On July 6^th, Elect Women NJ, a feminist and anti-racist organization released their 2021 endorsement application  for women candidates running for local office to apply for funding and endorsement.  Elect Women NJ works to increase the numbers and diversity of women in elected office by recruiting and funding diverse, viable candidates.  To help meet this goal, every endorsement cycle, a portion of the funds raised are restricted for black women candidates. 

New Jersey ranks 21st in the country for women in elected office. The Center for Women in Politics (CAWP) recently released a report debunking “long-held myths” that women are more represented in local office compared to national politics. “Women are historically excluded at all levels of government.  This lack of representation in local and national office raises concerns about the health and quality of our democracy. Elect Women NJ was created to address this exclusion. ” said Kerri Kennedy, Founder and Chairwoman of Elect Women NJ.                                                                                                                                                            

Elect Women NJ is focused on local races as one solution to challenging the systemic, under-representation of women. Dr. Mirya Holman, offices of Women in Politics in the American City , studied the ways gender might shape local politics.  She found that women value different policies and incorporate broader diversity of new voices into the policymaking process. This can make the process more representative. “As the research demonstrates, we know that more women and more diversity in elected office will improve policy outcomes.  At a local level, the women we fund can have an exponential impact on our daily lives,” said Tricia Maguire, Founder and Executive Director of Elect Women NJ.

In 2020, Elect Women NJ endorsed a diverse cohort of 20 women from 13 counties across the state.  75% of the endorsed candidates won their races and 60% identified as black, Latina, South Asian or LGBTQ+.  Elect Women NJ Vice-Chairwoman Kathy Williams said, “Elect Women NJ was proud that 40% of the women we endorsed won historic races last year. We are eager to support more groundbreaking wins this year. ”

Applications are due by August 6, 2021. Elect Women NJ Founder and Treasurer Linda Peng-Grooters and other members of the executive committee will hold two informational seminars on the application in July. The  board of directors will review and score the applications and announce endorsements on September 17, 2021.  Elect Women NJ will host a virtual event soon after to feature the endorsed candidates.

For more information on the endorsement process and application, please visit us at www.electwomennj.com·