Results from the May 16th Primary in Louisiana and May 19th Primaries in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania
Primary elections were held on Tuesday in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. In addition, Louisiana held its primary election for the U.S. Senate on Saturday. Full context about women in the 2026 elections, including candidate lists, summaries, and historical comparisons, is available via the Center for American Women and Politics’ (CAWP) Election Watch.
LAST UPDATE: 5/26/2026 at 11:15AM ET
Toplines
Alabama
- One (1D) woman won nomination for U.S. House and will challenge an incumbent in a contest currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report. Just three of Alabama's seven congressional districts held primary elections this week; the remaining four have been postponed for redistricting. Incumbent U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D) is expected to run in one of the postponed primaries.
- Women are 4 of 14 (28.6%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Alabama, including 3 of 9 (33.3%) Democrats and 1 of 5 (20%) Republicans. In addition, 2 (2R) women have advanced to runoff primary elections on June 16 for commissioner of agriculture and attorney general.
Georgia
- Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) won the Democratic nomination for governor in Georgia’s open-seat contest, which is currently rated as a toss up by Cook Political Report. If successful, Bottoms would be the first Black woman governor in U.S. history and the first woman governor of Georgia.
- Women are 6 of 10 (60.0%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office (including governor) in Georgia, including 5 of 6 (83.3%) Democrats and 1 of 4 (25%) Republicans. In addition, 6 (6D) women have advanced to runoff primary elections on June 16 for lieutenant governor, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and secretary of state; a woman is assured to win the Democratic nomination for both labor commissioner and secretary of state.
- Women are 6 of 24 (25%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Georgia, including 6 of 11 (54.5%) Democrats and 0 of 13 (0%) Republicans. In addition, 4 (4D) women have advanced to runoff primary elections on June 16 in Georgia’s 1st and 12th Congressional Districts. Both (2D) incumbent women representatives are favored to win re-election in November, and Democratic nominee Jasmine Clark (D) is strongly favored to win an open-seat contest in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
Idaho
- Women are 2 of 4 (50%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Idaho; both are Democrats. Both women nominees are challengers in contests currently favoring their incumbent opponents. No woman has served in Congress from Idaho since 2001.
- Women are 5 of 14 (35.7%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Idaho, including 3 of 7 (42.9%) Democrats and 2 of 7 (28.6%) Republicans. Terri Pickens (D) won the Democratic nomination for governor. She will challenge incumbent Governor Brad Little (R) in a contest currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report. No woman has served as governor of Idaho.
Kentucky
- All 4 (2D, 2R) women candidates for U.S. Senate in Kentucky were unsuccessful. No woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Kentucky.
- Women are 3 of 12 (25%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Kentucky, including 2 of 6 (33.3%) Democrats and 1 of 6 (16.7%) Republicans. All 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees are challengers in contests currently favoring their incumbent opponents. No woman has served in Congress from Kentucky since 2007 and no Democratic woman has ever served in Congress from Kentucky.
Louisiana
- Women are 1 of 3 (33.3%) major-party candidates that have advanced to runoff primary elections for U.S. Senate in Louisiana. Current U.S. Representative Julia Letlow (R) has advanced to the Republican primary runoff election. The general election contest is currently rated as “Solid Republican” by Cook Political Report.
- Elections for the U.S. House in Louisiana have been postponed for redistricting.
Oregon
- Women are 8 of 12 (66.7%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Oregon, including 5 of 6 (83.3%) Democrats and 3 of 6 (50%) Republicans. All 5 (5D) incumbent women representatives are favored to win re-election, and all 3 (3R) women challengers are running in contests that favor their incumbent opponents. All-woman general election contests will be held in Oregon’s 1st, 4th, and 5th congressional districts. Find out more about congressional and gubernatorial races where both major-party candidates are women, in 2026 and historically, here.
- Both major-party nominees for governor of Oregon are women in a rematch of the 2022 gubernatorial contest between Governor Tina Kotek (D) and state Senator Christine Drazan (R). Kotek defeated Drazan by about three points in 2022, when a third-party candidate earned 8.6% of votes. This contest is currently rated as “Solid Democrat” by Cook Political Report.
-
Incumbent Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson (NP) won re-election by earning over 50% of the primary election vote.
Pennsylvania
- Women are 11 of 33 (33.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Pennsylvania, including 9 of 17 (52.9%) Democrats and 2 of 16 (12.5%) Republicans. All 4 (4D) incumbent women representatives are favored to win re-election. In addition, 2 (2D) Democratic women nominees – Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti (PA-08) and Janelle Stelson (PA-10) – are challengers in general election contests currently rated as toss ups.
- Incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) won the Republican nomination for governor of Pennsylvania. She will challenge Governor Josh Shapiro (D) in a general election contest currently rated as “Solid Democrat” by Cook Political Report. Because her current term as treasurer does not end until 2029, she could maintain her current role if unsuccessful in her bid for governor.
Alabama
0
1 (1D)
4 (3D, 1R)
U.S. Senate
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 2 (50%) seats in the Alabama delegation to the U.S. Senate. Three (2D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. Senate from Alabama. Current U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R) is not up for re-election in 2026.
Women Candidates in 2026: No women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Alabama in 2026.
U.S. House
Due to postponement for potential redistricting of four of Alabama’s seven congressional districts, binding primary elections were held in only three of seven U.S. House districts on Tuesday. The remaining primaries will be held on August 11.
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 1 of 5 (20%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Alabama, including 1 of 2 (50%) Democrats and 0 of 3 (0%) Republicans. In addition, 1 (1D) woman has advanced to a runoff primary election on June 16, 2026 in Alabama’s 5th Congressional District.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (5), first set in 2022. One (1R) woman House candidate was unsuccessful in the May 19 primary elections.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
Amanda Pusczek |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
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: Four (3D, 1R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Alabama in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 4 of 25 (16%) 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 14 (28.6%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Alabama, including 3 of 9 (33.3%) Democrats and 1 of 5 (20%) Republicans. In addition, 2 (2R) women have advanced to runoff primary elections on June 16, 2026 for commissioner of agriculture and attorney general.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (8). Five (1D, 4R) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 4 (3D, 1R) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Alabama: 3 (3D) are challengers and 1 (1R) is running for an open seat.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Auditor |
Violet Edwards |
D |
Challenger |
Black |
|
Public Service Commission (Place 2) |
Sheila McNeil |
D |
Challenger |
Black |
|
Secretary of State |
Caroleene Dobson |
R |
Open Seat |
White |
|
Treasurer |
Rosilyn Houston |
D |
Challenger |
Black |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 10 (20%) statewide elective executive offices in Alabama. Nineteen (13D, 6R) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Alabama; this includes 10 (8D, 2R) women who served in more than one statewide elective office.
- Neither incumbent woman holding statewide elective office in Alabama are running for re-election in 2026. Incumbent Governor Kay Ivey (R) is term-limited, and incumbent Public Service Commissioner Cynthia Almond (R) is not running for another term.
Women Candidates in 2026: Eleven (4D, 7R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Alabama in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 11 of 46 (23.9%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Black woman has served in statewide elective executive office in Alabama.
Georgia
0
6 (6D)
5 (4D, 1R)
U.S. Senate
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: No women currently serve in the U.S. Senate from Georgia. Two (1D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. Senate from Georgia.
Women Candidates in 2026: No women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 6 of 24 (25%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Georgia, including 6 of 11 (54.5%) Democrats and 0 of 13 (0%) Republicans. In addition, 4 (4D) women have advanced to runoff primary elections on June 16, 2026 in Georgia’s 1st and 12th Congressional Districts.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House falls short of the previous high (12), first set in 2020. Fourteen (6D, 8R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 6 (6D) women nominees for U.S. House in Georgia: 2 (2D) are incumbents, 2 (2D) are challengers, and 2 (2D) are running for open seats.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 |
Maura Keller |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
5 |
Nikema Williams |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
|
6 |
Lucy McBath |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
|
9 |
Caitlyn Gegen |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
10 |
Pamela DeLancy |
D |
Open Seat |
Black |
Solid Republican |
|
13 |
Jasmine Clark |
D |
Open Seat |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 14 (14.3%) seats in the Georgia delegation to the U.S. House. Ten (8D, 2R) women have served in the U.S. House from Georgia.
Women Candidates in 2026: Twenty-four (16D, 8R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Georgia in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 24 of 84 (28.6%) 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 6 of 10 (60.0%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Georgia, including 5 of 6 (83.3%) Democrats and 1 of 4 (25%) Republicans. In addition, 6 (6D) women have advanced to runoff primary elections on June 16, 2026 for lieutenant governor, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and secretary of state; a woman is assured to win the Democratic nomination for both labor commissioner and secretary of state.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (8). Eight (3D, 5R) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 5 (4D, 1R) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Georgia: 1 (1R) is an incumbent, 1 (1D) is a challenger, and 3 (3D) are running for open seats.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Keisha Lance Bottoms |
D |
Open Seat |
Black |
Toss Up |
|
Agriculture Commissioner |
Katherine Juhan-Arnold |
D |
Challenger |
Black |
|
|
Attorney General |
Tanya Miller |
D |
Open Seat |
Black |
|
|
Labor Commissioner |
Barbara Rivera Holmes |
R |
Incumbent |
Latina |
|
|
Public Service Commissioner District 5 |
Sheila Edwards |
D |
Open Seat |
Black |
|
| Superintendent of Public Instruction | Lydia Powell | D | Challenger | Black |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 3 of 13 (23.1%) statewide elective executive offices in Georgia. Eight (2D, 6R) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Georgia.
Of the 3 (1D, 2R) incumbent women in statewide elective office in Georgia: Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes (R) is running for re-election; Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore (R) is running for the U.S. House instead of re-election to the Public Service Commission; and Public Service Commissioner Alicia Johnson (D) is not up for re-election this year.
Women Candidates in 2026: Twenty (14D, 6R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Georgia in 2026. This is a record high. They were 20 of 70 (28.6%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Black woman has served as governor in the United States.
- No woman has served as governor of Georgia.
Idaho
0
2 (2D)
5 (3D, 2R)
U.S. Senate
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: No woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Idaho.
Women Candidates in 2026: No women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Idaho in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 2 of 4 (50%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Idaho, including 2 of 2 (100%) Democrats and 0 of 2 (0%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House matches the previous high (2). One (1D) woman House candidate was unsuccessful. Both (2D) women nominees are challengers.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Kaylee Peterson |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
2 |
Ellie Gilbreath |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 0 of 2 (0%) seats in the Idaho delegation to the U.S. House. Two (1D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. House from Idaho.
Women Candidates in 2026: Three (3D) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Idaho in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 3 of 10 (30%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served in Congress from Idaho since 2001.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 5 of 14 (35.7%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Idaho, including 3 of 7 (42.9%) Democrats and 2 of 7 (28.6%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (7). Four (3D, 1R) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 5 (3D, 2R) women nominees for statewide elective executive office in Idaho: 2 (2R) are incumbents and 3 (3D) are challengers.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Terri Pickens |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
Attorney General |
Lori Hickman |
D |
Challenger |
White |
|
|
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
Debbie Critchfield |
R |
Incumbent |
White |
|
|
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
Becky Sundin Mitchell |
D |
Challenger |
White |
|
|
Treasurer |
Julie Ellsworth |
R |
Incumbent |
White |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 2 of 7 (28.6%) statewide elective executive offices in Idaho. Twenty-two (5D, 17R) women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Idaho.
Women Candidates in 2026: Nine (6D, 3R) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Idaho in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 9 of 24 (37.5%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served as governor of Idaho.
- No woman has served as attorney general of Idaho.
Kentucky
0
3 (2D, 1R)
n/a
U.S. Senate
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 0 of 2 (0%) major-party nominees for U.S. Senate in Kentucky. Four (2D, 2R) women Senate candidates were unsuccessful.
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: No woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Kentucky.
Women Candidates in 2026: Four (2D, 2R) women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Kentucky in 2026. This is a record high. They were 4 of 18 (22.2%) total major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 3 of 12 (25%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Kentucky, including 2 of 6 (33.3%) Democrats and 1 of 6 (16.7%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House matches the previous high (3), first set in 2000. Four (2D, 2R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. All 3 (2D, 1R) women nominees for U.S. House in Kentucky are challengers.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Megan Wingfield |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican
|
|
3 |
Maria Teresa Rodriguez |
R |
Challenger |
Latina |
Solid Democrat
|
|
4 |
Melissa Strange |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 0 of 6 (0%) seats in the Kentucky delegation to the U.S. House. Two (2R) women have served in the U.S. House from Kentucky.
Women Candidates in 2026: Seven (4D, 3R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Kentucky in 2026. This is a record high. They were 7 of 39 (17.9%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served in Congress from Kentucky since 2007.
- No Democratic woman has served in Congress from Kentucky.
- No Latina has served in Congress from Kentucky.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
There are no statewide executive elections in Kentucky in 2026.
Louisiana
TBD
n/a
n/a
U.S. Senate
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 1 of 3 (33.3%) major-party candidates that have advanced to runoff primary elections for U.S. Senate in Louisiana. Current U.S. Representative Julia Letlow (R) has advanced to the Republican primary runoff election. The general election contest is currently rated as Solid Republican by Cook Political Report.
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 0 of 2 (0%) seats in the Louisiana delegation to the U.S. Senate. Three (3D) women have served in the U.S. Senate from Louisiana.
Women Candidates in 2026: One (1R) filed as a candidate for U.S. Senate in Louisiana in 2026. This is not a record high. She was 1 of 7 (14.3%) total major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No Republican woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Louisiana.
- No woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Louisiana since 2015.
U.S. House
The primary elections for U.S. House in Louisiana have been postponed to account for changes in the electoral map.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
There are no statewide executive elections in Louisiana in 2026.
Oregon
0
8 (5D, 3R)
2 (1D, 1R)
U.S. Senate
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 0 of 2 (0%) major-party nominees for U.S. Senate in Oregon.
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 0 of 2 (0%) seats in the Oregon delegation to the U.S. Senate. One (1D) woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Oregon.
Women Candidates in 2026: Two (2R) women filed as candidates for U.S. Senate in Oregon in 2026. This matches the record high. They were 2 of 9 (22.2%) total major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served in the U.S. Senate from Oregon since 1967.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 8 of 12 (66.7%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Oregon, including 5 of 6 (83.3%) Democrats and 3 of 6 (50%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House matches the previous high (8), first set in 2024. Eight (7D, 1R) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 8 (5D, 3R) women nominees for U.S. House in Oregon: 5 (5D) are incumbents and 3 (3R) are challengers.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Barbara Kahl |
R |
Challenger |
Multiracial alone |
Solid Democrat |
|
1 |
Suzanne Bonamici |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
3 |
Maxine Dexter |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
4 |
Monique DeSpain |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
4 |
Val Hoyle |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
5 |
Patti Adair |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Likely Democrat |
|
5 |
Janelle Bynum |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Likely Democrat |
|
6 |
Andrea Salinas |
D |
Incumbent |
Latina |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 5 of 6 (83.3%) seats in the Oregon delegation to the U.S. House. Ten (9D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. House from Oregon. All 5 (5D) incumbent women are running for re-election in 2026.
Women Candidates in 2026: Sixteen (12D, 4R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Oregon in 2026. This is a record high. They were 16 of 28 (57.1%) 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 2 (100%) major-party nominees for governor of Oregon. This year’s all-woman general election contest will be a rematch between incumbent Governor Tina Kotek (D) and state Senator Christine Drazan (R). Kotek defeated Drazan by about three points in 2022, when a third-party candidate earned 8.6% of votes. In addition, incumbent Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson (NP) won re-election by earning over 50% of the primary election vote.
Three (3D) women statewide executive candidates were unsuccessful.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Tina Kotek |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
|
Governor |
Christine Drazan |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 3 of 5 (60%) statewide elective executive offices in Oregon. Fourteen women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Oregon, including three women who served in more than one office. Of the 11 women who served in one role, 7 were Democrats and 1 was a Republican. Of the three women who served in more than one role, 2 were Democrats and one – Norma Paulus – served as a Republican secretary of state and a nonpartisan superintendent of public instruction.
- Incumbent Governor Tina Kotek (D) and Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson (NP) are running for re-election in 2026. Incumbent Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D) is not up for re-election until 2028.
Women Candidates in 2026: Nine (4D, 4R, 1NP) women filed as candidates for statewide elective executive office in Oregon in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 9 of 26 (34.6%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Pennsylvania
n/a
11 (9D, 2R)
1 (1R)
U.S. Senate
There are no U.S. Senate elections in Pennsylvania in 2026.
U.S. House
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 11 of 33 (33.3%) major-party nominees for U.S. House in Pennsylvania, including 9 of 17 (52.9%) Democrats and 2 of 16 (12.5%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for the U.S. House exceeds the previous high (10), first set in 2020. Three (3D) women House candidates were unsuccessful. Of the 11 (9D, 2R) women nominees for U.S. House in Pennsylvania: 4 (4D) are incumbents and 7 (5D, 2R) are challengers.
|
District |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
Current Cook Political Report Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Jessica Arriaga |
R |
Challenger |
Latina |
Solid Democrat |
|
4 |
Madeleine Dean |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
4 |
Aurora Stuski |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
5 |
Mary Gay Scanlon |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
6 |
Chrissy Houlahan |
D |
Incumbent |
White |
Solid Democrat |
|
8 |
Paige Cognetti |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Toss Up |
|
9 |
Rachel Wallace |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
10 |
Janelle Stelson |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Toss Up |
|
11 |
Nancy Mannion |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
|
12 |
Summer Lee |
D |
Incumbent |
Black |
Solid Democrat |
|
13 |
Beth Farnham |
D |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Republican |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 4 of 17 (23.5%) seats in the Pennsylvania delegation to the U.S. House. Twelve (11D, 1R) women have served in the U.S. House from Pennsylvania.
- All 4 (4D) incumbent women representatives are running for re-election in 2026.
Women Candidates in 2026: Fourteen (12D, 2R) women filed as candidates for U.S. House seats in Pennsylvania in 2026. This is not a record high. They were 14 of 43 (32.6%) total major-party candidates for U.S. House in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
-
No Latina has served in the U.S. Congress from Pennsylvania.
Statewide Elective Executive Office
Women Nominees in 2026: Based on primary election results, women are 1 of 4 (25%) major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office in Pennsylvania, including 0 of 2 (0%) Democrats and 1 of 2 (50%) Republicans.
The number of women major-party nominees for statewide elective executive office falls short of the previous high (3). Only two statewide executive offices are up for election in Pennsylvania this year.
|
Office |
Woman Nominee |
Party |
Seat Status |
Race/Ethnicity |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Governor |
Stacy Garrity |
R |
Challenger |
White |
Solid Democrat |
Current/Historic Women’s Representation: Women currently hold 1 of 5 (20%) statewide elective executive offices in Pennsylvania. Nine women have served in statewide elective executive offices in Pennsylvania; 6 are Democrats, 2 are Republicans, and 1 former officeholder switched parties, serving as both a Democrat and Republican.
- Incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity is running for governor. Because her current term as treasurer does not end until 2029, she could maintain her current role if unsuccessful in her bid for governor.
Women Candidates in 2026: One (1R) woman filed as a candidate for statewide elective executive office in Pennsylvania in 2026. This is not a record high. She was 1 of 5 (20%) total major-party candidates for statewide elective executive office in 2026.
Milestones to Watch in 2026:
- No woman has served as governor of Pennsylvania.
