The number of women in the 120-member Legislature has fallen from a peak of 37 in 2006 to 32 this year. Groups that promote women running for public office are concerned the trend will continue this election year.
They also worry about how the drop-off will affect policy decisions.
Bettina Duval, president of CALIFORNIALIST, which has raised more than $1 million to support female candidates, fears women could lose three to five legislative seats this year. That would accelerate the gradual decline.
California ranked sixth in the nation in the percentage of women serving in the Legislature in 2004 but now ranks 19th.
Capitol Coverage
California Campaign Finance Regulator Resigns Before Election
May 30, 2018Fair Political Practices Commission chairperson Jodi Remke announced Tuesday that she will step down on Friday. It follows months of acrimony with other commissioners.
California Senator Tony Mendoza Resigns After Sexual Harassment Investigation, But Says He'll Run For Re-Election
February 22, 2018His resignation followed an outside investigation, which found that Mendoza likely engaged in "flirtatious or sexually suggestive" behavior with six different women, including former staffers and fellows. The allegations date back to 2007.
Report: California Senator Tony Mendoza ‘More Likely Than Not’ Made Sexual Advances Toward Six Women
February 20, 2018A summary of the Senate’s outside investigation comes after the chamber’s Rules Committee met in closed session to discuss Mendoza’s fate for the second weekday in a row.
Window For Sexual Harassment Complaints Could Widen Under New Bills
January 18, 2018New legislative efforts supporting the “Me Too” anti-harassment movement could change the reporting process for victims filing complaints.
Women In Calif. Politics Share What They'd Like To See Change
October 26, 2017Women in California politics, protesting sexual harassment and abuse at the Capitol, distrust the response from legislative leaders.
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.