What makes a candidate good for women—and all Oregonians?

No matter what, Oregon’s next governor will be a woman. But a woman in the governor’s seat—or any other office—doesn’t necessarily guarantee good outcomes for women. Outcomes are about more than representation: they’re about values and policies.

And decades of data make it clear: policies that improve the wellbeing of women improve the wellbeing of everyone.

So when choosing our next leaders—particularly in races where women are running against each other—voters need to ask themselves: how would each candidate’s leadership improve the lives of Oregon’s women and girls?

It’s been a mixed few years for women. During the pandemic, food insecurity, domestic violence, and mental health challenges increased for women. Women’s earnings fell and the wage gap widened. In June, the Supreme Court chose to overturn Roe v Wade, taking away national protections for abortion rights.

We’re feeling these national trends in Oregon, but there are also bright spots: a 2017 law ensuring all Oregonians have access to family planning, abortion, and postpartum care. A 2019 law that will grant up to 12 weeks of paid time off to people welcoming a new child, or who are ill or caring for sick family. And a 2016 law that substantially increased Oregon’s minimum wage—jobs disproportionately held by women.

Each of these benefits women—and benefits everyone.

Looking ahead, how can voters assess who will lead Oregon further toward positive outcomes for women, and for all Oregon families?

Voters should ask: where does each candidate stand on access to abortion care? We know that women who are denied an abortion have worse economic and mental health outcomes than those who get care. And with six in 10 women who receive abortion care being mothers, these denials impact children as well.

Voters should ask: where does each candidate stand on our caregiving crisis? As a direct result of insufficient public investment, Oregon is one of the least affordable states in the nation for childcare. A year of daycare is more expensive than annual in-state college tuition. Where does each candidate stand on free preschool for all? Where do they stand on ensuring that our caregiving professions—like the healthcare workers and teachers who got us through the pandemic—are able to earn family-sustaining wages?

Finally, voters should ask: where does each candidate stand on gun possession for people who have committed domestic abuse? Every 16 hours, a woman is fatally shot by a current or former intimate partner. And a woman is five times more likely to be murdered when the person choosing to abuse her has access to a gun.

The ripple effects of firearms in the hands of those who abuse devastate entire communities—more than two-thirds of mass shootings are domestic violence incidents or are perpetrated by shooters with a history of domestic violence.

As Oregonians fill out ballots this year, remember that simply putting a woman in office offers no assurances. We need leaders with a demonstrated record of leadership that is actually good for women.

Oregon voters are smart enough to know the difference.

Let's Vote!

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