A Big Win for Women

Statement by National NOW President Kim Villanueva

WASHINGTON-This election was a big win for women-and not just because two strong women leaders won races for Governor, the first woman Mayor was elected in Detroit and a woman will become the first Black mayor of Syracuse.

These and other victories showed that voters are ready to stand up to the roots of inequality and elect leaders who will fight for them.

Mikie Sherrill's victory in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger's win in Virginia, along with Mary Sheffield in Detroit, Sharon Owens in Syracuse and Zohran Mamdani in New York City, showed that voters are rejecting inequality and embracing candidates committed to fighting for working families, reproductive rights, and gender equity.

That means electing more women, and more feminist allies.

The issues that women care about-and the threats that Donald Trump and his extremist enablers pose to women's health, safety and security-were on the ballot. Affordability, free early education, access to reproductive care, and protecting women's rights were front and center in this election-and that's where they need to stay.

Now we turn our attention to the 2026 midterms, where our activism, commitment, and courage will be needed once more. We can change the face of Congress and give our allies in Washington real power to stand up to Trump and fight for women's rights, gender equality, racial justice, ending violence against women, and other urgent priorities.

Exit polls showed that two-thirds of voters in New Jersey and Virginia were dissatisfied with the direction of the country. That sentiment is growing in all 50 states and will be top of mind for voters in 2026.

We've just seen proof that elections are the best way to bring about the change we need. Women know what's at stake - and we're ready to build on this momentum and lead the fight for America's future.