Results from the August 11th Primaries in Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wisconsin, and the Primaries in Hawaii and Tennessee
Primary elections were held on Tuesday in five states: Alabama, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In addition, primaries were held in Tennessee on August 6th and in Hawaii on August 8th. Results for all seven states are included below. Full context about women in the 2026 elections, including candidate lists, summaries, and historical comparisons, are available via the Center for American Women and Politics’ (CAWP) Election Watch.
LAST UPDATE: 8/13/2026 at 1:00PM ET
Toplines
Alabama
-
Based on primary election results from all U.S. House primaries (those held on May 19th and August 11th), women are 3 of 14 (21.4%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Alabama, including 2 of 7 (28.6%) Democrats and 1 of 7 (14.3%) Republicans. Of the 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees, only incumbent U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D) is currently favored to win in November.
Alabama held primaries for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and statewide executive offices on May 19, 2026. Due to redistricting, primaries for U.S. House contests in four districts were postponed until August 11, 2026. For U.S. Senate and statewide executive results, see our previous post.
Connecticut
- Women are 3 of 10 (30%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Connecticut, including 2 of 5 (40%) Democrats and 1 of 5 (20%) Republicans. Of the 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees, both (2D) incumbents are currently favored to win in November. The sole (1R) non-incumbent woman nominee is running in a general election contest that currently favors her opponent.
- Women are 3 of 12 (25%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Connecticut, including 2 of 6 (33.3%) Democrats and 1 of 6 (33.3%) Republicans.
Hawaii
- Women are 1 of 4 (25%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Hawaii, including 1 of 2 (50%) Democrats and 0 of 2 (0%) Republicans. Incumbent U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) – the only woman currently representing Hawaii in Congress – is currently favored to win in November.
- No women advanced in contests for Hawaii’s statewide elective executive offices. Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke (D-HI) did not run for re-election.
Minnesota
- Minnesota is all but assured to elect its first woman governor in an all-woman general election contest between U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) and state Speaker of the House Lisa DeMuth (R). This contest is currently rated as “Solid Democrat” by Cook Political Report. Minnesota is one of 17 states that has never had a woman governor. If successful in November, DeMuth would also be the first Black woman governor in U.S. history. If Klobuchar is successful, she will leave the U.S. Senate before the end of her current term.
- Klobuchar and DeMuth are 2 of 10 (20%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Minnesota.
- Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (D) and Michelle Tafoya (R) will compete in an all-woman, open-seat contest for U.S. Senate in Minnesota that is currently rated as “Likely Democrat” by Cook Political Report. If successful in November, Flanagan would be the first Native American woman in the U.S. Senate. Tafoya, if successful, would be the first Latina and the first Republican woman to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate.
- Women are 5 of 16 (31.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Minnesota, including 4 of 8 (50%) Democrats and 1 of 8 (12.5%) Republicans.
- All 4 (3D, 1R) incumbent women nominees are favored to win re-election in November. Incumbent U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D) will not return to Congress after running unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
- Non-incumbent challenger Trina Swanson (D) will face incumbent U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R) in a general election contest currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report.
South Carolina
- Incumbent U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R) advanced to a runoff election to secure the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in South Carolina. Graham was appointed to fill out the current term of her brother, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, upon his death in July 2026. The winner of the special election primary runoff election on August 25, 2026 will replace former Senator Graham on the general election ballot for a full Senate term that will begin in 2027.
Tennessee
- Tennessee is all but assured to elect its first woman governor in an all-woman general election contest between U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R) and Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green (D). This contest is currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report. Tennessee is one of 17 states that has never had a woman governor.
- Marquita Bradshaw (D) won the Democratic nomination in Tennessee’s U.S. Senate election. She will challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R) in a contest currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report; Hagerty defeated Bradshaw by 27 points in the 2020 U.S. Senate election. If successful in November, Bradshaw would be the first Black woman in the U.S. Congress from Tennessee and the first Democratic woman senator from the state.
- Women are 6 of 18 (33.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Tennessee, including 5 of 9 (55.6%) Democrats and 1 of 9 (11.1%) Republicans. Of the 6 (5D, 1R) women nominees for U.S. House, only incumbent U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger (R) is currently favored to win in November. Harshbarger is the only woman currently representing Tennessee in the U.S. House.
Vermont
- Amanda Janoo (D) won the Democratic nomination for governor of Vermont. She will challenge incumbent Governor Phil Scott (R) in a contest currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report. If successful in November, Janoo would be the first Asian American/Pacific Islander woman in statewide elective executive office in Vermont. She would also be the first Democratic Asian American/Pacific Islander woman governor in the United States.
- Women are 4 of 12 (33.3%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Vermont, including 4 of 6 (66.7%) Democrats and 0 of 6 (0%) Republicans.
- A woman is 1 of 2 (50%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Vermont. Incumbent U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D) – the only woman who has served in the U.S. House from Vermont – is currently favored to win in November.
Wisconsin
- Women are 2 of 10 (20%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Wisconsin, including 2 of 5 (40%) Democrats and 0 of 5 (0%) Republicans.
- Incumbent Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski (D) ran successfully for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor instead of running for re-election as secretary of state.
- If successful in November, Democratic nominee for secretary of state JoCasta Zamarripa would be the first Latina in statewide elective executive office in Wisconsin.
- Women are 2 of 15 (13.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Wisconsin, including 2 of 8 (25.0%) Democrats and 0 of 7 (0%) Republicans.
- Incumbent U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D) – the only woman currently representing Wisconsin in the U.S. House – is currently favored to win in November.
- Rebecca Cooke won the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R) in a contest currently rated as a toss up by Cook Political Report. This is a rematch of the 2024 contest in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, where Van Orden won by 2.4 points. Learn more about women who run again after an election loss at our Rebound Candidates resource.
Alabama
n/a
3 (2D, 1R)
n/a
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results from all U.S. House primaries (those held on May 19th and August 11th), women are 3 of 14 (21.4%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Alabama, including 2 of 7 (28.6%) Democrats and 1 of 7 (14.3%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (5), first set in 2022. Three (2D, 1R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees for U.S. House in Alabama: 1 (1D) is an incumbent, and 2 (1D, 1R) are challengers.
*Bolded nominees were selected in August 11th primaries.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
Amanda Pusczek |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
7 |
Terri Sewell |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
|
7 |
Ammie Akin |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 7 (14.3%) seats in the Alabama delegation to the U.S. House. Three (2D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. House from Alabama.
Women Candidates in 2026: Six (4D, 2R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Alabama in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 6 of 32 (18.8%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Connecticut
n/a
3 (2D, 1R)
3 (2D, 1R)
U.S. Senate
There are no U.S. Senate elections in Connecticut in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026:Based on primary election results, women are 3 of 10 (30%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Connecticut, including 2 of 5 (40%) Democrats and 1 of 5 (20%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (5), first set in 1994. Two (2D) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees for U.S. House in Connecticut: 2 (2D) are incumbents, and 1 (1R) is a challenger.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Amy Chai |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
3 |
Rosa DeLauro |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
5 |
Jahana Hayes |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 5 (40%) seats in the Connecticut delegation to the U.S. House. Eight (6D, 2R) women have served in the U.S. House from Connecticut.
Women Candidates in 2026: Five (4D, 1R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Connecticut in 2026. This matches the record high. They were 5 of 15 (33.3%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 3 of 12 (25%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Connecticut, including 2 of 6 (33.3%) Democrats and 1 of 6 (33.3%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (7). No women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Connecticut: 2 (2D) are incumbents and 1 (1R) is a challenger.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lieutenant Governor |
Susan Bysiewicz |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
|
Secretary of State |
Stephanie Thomas |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
|
Comptroller |
Jen Tooker |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 6 (33.3%) statewide elective executive offices in Connecticut. Twenty-one (14D, 6R, 1ACP) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Connecticut, including four women who have held more than one statewide elective executive office.
Women Candidates in 2026: Three (2D, 1R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Connecticut in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 3 of 13 (23.1%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Hawaii
n/a
1 (1D)
0
U.S. Senate
There are no U.S. Senate elections in Hawaii in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 1 of 4 (25%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Hawaii, including 1 of 2 (50%) Democrats and 0 of 2 (0%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (4), first set in 2016. One (1D) woman House candidate was unsuccessful. The only woman nominee (1D) is an incumbent.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Jill Tokuda |
D |
Incumbent |
Asian American/Pacific Islander |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 2 (50%) seats in the Hawaii delegation to the U.S. House. Six (5D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. House from Hawaii.
Women Candidates in 2026: Two (2D) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Hawaii in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 2 of 11 (18.2%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 0 of 4 (0%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Hawaii. Four (2D, 2R) women candidates for statewide elective executive office were unsuccessful.
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 2 (50%) statewide elective executive offices in Hawaii. Four (3D, 1R) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Hawaii.
- Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke (D) is not running for re-election in 2026.
Women Candidates in 2026: Four (2D, 2R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Hawaii in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 4 of 15 (26.7%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Minnesota
2 (1D, 1R)
5 (4D, 1R)
2 (1D, 1R)
U.S. Senate
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are both major-party nominees for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. Three (1D, 2R) women Senate candidates were unsuccessful.
|
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Peggy Flanagan |
D |
Open Seat |
Native American |
Likely Democrat |
|
Michelle Tafoya |
R |
Open Seat |
Latina/White |
Likely Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 2 (100%) seats in the Minnesota delegation to the U.S. Senate. Three (3D) women have served in the U.S. Senate from Minnesota.
- Incumbent Senator Tina Smith (D) is not running for re-election in 2026.
- Incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) is not up for election this year, but she ran successfully for the Democratic nomination for governor. If successful in November, she will leave the U.S. Senate before the end of her term.
Women Candidates in 2026: Five (2D, 3R) women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Minnesota in 2026. This is a record high. They were 5 of 15 (33.3%) total major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Native American woman has served in the U.S. Senate.
- No Latina has served in the U.S. Senate from Minnesota.
- No Republican woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Minnesota.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 5 of 16 (31.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Minnesota, including 4 of 8 (50%) Democrats and 1 of 8 (12.5%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (10), first set in 2024. Seven (4D, 3R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 5 (4D, 1R) women nominees for U.S. House in Minnesota: 4 (3D, 1R) are incumbents, and 1 (1D) is a challenger.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
Kelly Morrison |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
4 |
Betty McCollum |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
5 |
Ilhan Omar |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
|
7 |
Michelle Fischbach |
R |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
8 |
Trina Swanson |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 5 of 8 (62.5%) seats in the Minnesota delegation to the U.S. House. Seven (5D, 2R) women have served in the U.S. House from Minnesota.
- Incumbent U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D) did not run for re-election this year; instead, she ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate.
Women Candidates in 2026: Twelve (8D, 4R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Minnesota in 2026. This matches the record high. They were 12 of 41 (29.3%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 2 of 10 (20%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Minnesota, including 1 of 5 (20%) Democrats and 1 of 5 (20%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (6). Four (3D, 1R) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful. Both (1D, 1R) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Minnesota are running in the open-seat contest for governor, all but assuring a woman will win.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Amy Klobuchar |
D |
Open Seat |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
Governor |
Lisa DeMuth |
R |
Open Seat |
Black/White |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 5 (40%) statewide elective executive offices in Minnesota. Eighteen (10D, 7R, 1Reform) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Minnesota.
- Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (D) is not running for re-election in 2026; instead, she ran successfully for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
- Incumbent Auditor Julie Blaha (D) is not running for re-election in 2026.
Women Candidates in 2026: Six (4D, 2R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Minnesota in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 6 of 38 (15.8%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served as governor in Minnesota.
- No Black woman has served as governor in the United States.
Tennessee
1 (1D)
6 (5D, 1R)
2 (1D, 1R)
U.S. Senate
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 1 of 2 (50%) major-party nominees for U.S. Senate in Tennessee. Three (3D) women Senate candidates were unsuccessful.
|
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Marquita Bradshaw |
D |
Challenger |
Black |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 2 (50%) seats in the Tennessee delegation to the U.S. Senate. Incumbent U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R) is the only woman who has served in the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.
- Incumbent Senator Marsha Blackburn (R) is not up for election this year, but she ran successfully for the Republican nomination for governor. If successful in November, she will leave the U.S. Senate before the end of her term.
Women Candidates in 2026: Four (4D) women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Tennessee in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 4 of 6 (66.7%) total major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Democratic woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.
- No Black woman has served in the U.S. Congress from Tennessee.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 6 of 18 (33.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Tennessee, including 5 of 9 (55.6%) Democrats and 1 of 9 (11.1%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (8), first set in 2024. Ten (8D, 2R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 6 (5D, 1R) women nominees for U.S. House in Tennessee: 1 (1R) is an incumbent, and 5 (5D) are challengers.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Diana Harshbarger |
R |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Republican
|
|
1 |
Kristi Burke |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
2 |
Michaela Barnett |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
3 |
Anna Golladay |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
4 |
Victoria Broderick |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
8 |
Heidi Kuhn |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 9 (11.1%) seats in the Tennessee delegation to the U.S. House. Seven (2D, 5R) women have served in the U.S. House from Tennessee.
Women Candidates in 2026: Sixteen (13D, 3R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Tennessee in 2026. This is a record high. They were 16 of 52 (30.8%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Governor
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are both major-party nominees for governor in Tennessee. One (1D) woman gubernatorial candidate was unsuccessful.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Marsha Blackburn |
R |
Open Seat |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
Governor |
Jerri Green |
D |
Open Seat |
White |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 0 of 1 (0%) statewide elective executive offices in Tennessee; the only statewide elective executive office in Tennessee is governor. No woman has served as governor in Tennessee.
Women Candidates in 2026: Three (2D, 1R) women filed as candidates for governor in Tennessee in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 3 of 8 (37.5%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served as governor in Tennessee.
Vermont
n/a
1 (1D)
4 (4D)
U.S. Senate
There are no U.S. Senate elections in Vermont in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 1 of 2 (50%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Vermont, including 1 of 1 (100%) Democrats and 0 of 1 (0%) Republicans. The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House matches the previous high (1).
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Becca Balint |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 1 (100%) seats in the Vermont delegation to the U.S. House. Incumbent U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D) is the only woman who has served in the U.S. House from Vermont. She was unopposed in the Democratic primary contest this year.
Women Candidates in 2026: One (1D) woman filed as a candidate for U.S. House in Vermont in 2026. This is not a record high. She was 1 of 3 (33.3%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 4 of 12 (33.3%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Vermont, including 4 of 6 (66.7%) Democrats and 0 of 6 (0%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office matches the previous high (4). Two (2D) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 4 (4D) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Vermont: 2 (2D) are incumbents, and 2 (2D) are challengers.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Amanda Janoo |
D |
Challenger |
Asian American/Pacific Islander |
Solid Republican |
|
Lieutenant Governor |
Molly Gray |
D |
Challenger |
White |
|
|
Attorney General |
Charity Clark |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
|
|
Secretary of State |
Sarah Copeland Hanzas |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 6 (33.3%) statewide elective executive offices in Vermont. Thirteen (9D, 4R) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Vermont, including one woman who served in more than one statewide elective executive office.
Women Candidates in 2026: Six (6D) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Vermont in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 6 of 17 (35.3%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Asian American/Pacific Islander woman has served in statewide elective executive office in Vermont.
- No Democratic Asian American/Pacific Islander woman has served as governor in the United States.
Wisconsin
n/a
2 (2D)
2 (2D)
U.S. Senate
There are no U.S. Senate elections in Wisconsin in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 2 of 15 (13.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Wisconsin, including 2 of 8 (25.0%) Democrats and 0 of 7 (0%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (5), first set in 1992. Seven (4D, 3R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 2 (2D) women nominees for U.S. House in Wisconsin: 1 (1D) is an incumbent, and 1 (1D) is a challenger.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
Rebecca Cooke |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Toss Up |
|
4 |
Gwen Moore |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 8 (12.5%) seats in the Wisconsin delegation to the U.S. House. Two (2D) women have served in the U.S. House from Wisconsin.
Women Candidates in 2026: Ten (7D, 3R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Wisconsin in 2026. This is a record high. They were 10 of 31 (32.3%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 2 of 10 (20%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Wisconsin, including 2 of 5 (40%) Democrats and 0 of 5 (0%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (5). Three (2D, 1R) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful and another 2 (2D) unofficially withdrew before Election Day. Both (2D) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Wisconsin are running for open seats.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lieutenant Governor |
Sarah Godlewski |
D |
Open Seat |
White |
|
Secretary of State |
JoCasta Zamarripa |
D |
Open Seat |
Latina |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 3 of 6 (50.0%) statewide elective executive offices in Wisconsin. Fifteen (8D, 5R, 2NP) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Wisconsin, including one woman who has served in more than one statewide elective executive office.
- Incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly (NP) is not up for election in 2026.
- Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez (D) did not run for re-election in 2026; instead, she ran for governor until suspending her campaign in July 2026. Her name still appeared on the gubernatorial ballot.
- Incumbent Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski (D) did not run for re-election in 2026; instead she ran successfully for lieutenant governor.
Women Candidates in 2026: Seven (6D, 1R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Wisconsin in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 7 of 22 (31.8%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
- Of the 4 (4D) women who ran for governor, 2 (2D) – Sara Rodriguez and Missy Hughes – withdrew from the contest before the primary election was held. Their names still appeared on the gubernatorial ballot.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Latina has served in statewide elective executive office in Wisconsin.
