Women in Power: The Slow but Steady Rise of Female Governors

USAThu Nov 20 2025
In recent elections, two more women have joined the ranks of U. S. governors. By January, 14 states will have female leaders at the helm. But is this progress or just a drop in the bucket? The journey of women in politics has been long and bumpy. In 1974, Ella Grasso made history as the first woman elected governor without succeeding her husband. She was known for her tough love approach, even joking about hunting accidents. But since then, the progress has been slow. This month, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia made headlines. Sherrill won by a landslide, thanks in part to her opponent's missteps and Trump's unpopular decisions. Spanberger's victory was more expected, given the political climate in Virginia. But let's not forget the first women to hold this office. Nellie Tayloe Ross and Miriam Ferguson both became governors in 1924, but their stories were quite different. Ross was reluctant but dedicated, while Ferguson's term was marred by controversy. Now, with more women in governor roles, the conversation turns to the White House. Who will be the first female president? And how can we overcome the biases that still exist? The road to the White House is long, but with more women in powerful positions, the future looks promising. It's time to celebrate the progress and push for more.
https://localnews.ai/article/women-in-power-the-slow-but-steady-rise-of-female-governors-3f57ed40

questions

    What specific barriers still prevent women from being elected as governors more frequently?
    How do the campaigns of Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger compare to those of their male predecessors?
    How does the media portrayal of female politicians influence voter perceptions and prejudices?

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