Good Reasons to Run

“How might more women in the United States run for and win political office? In this highly accessible and well-integrated edited volume, leading scholars in the field of women in politics provide answers. Drawing on original data, they explain how women can overcome obstacles to their candidacy and how women’s political ambition can be activated by taking into account race, class, and party affiliation. Good Reasons to Run also uncovers the new role that nonprofit organizations are playing in preparing women for public office and analyzes how money matters for women candidates. The insightful findings in this volume make it essential reading for anyone who believes that more women in politics is critical for our democratic future.”—Denise M. Walsh, University of Virginia

“Good Reasons to Run fills a gap in the gender and politics literature by offering a comprehensive examination of women’s political ambition and the effectiveness of programs designed to recruit, train, and encourage female candidates to run for public office. The distinguished scholars contributing to this volume provide timely and essential guidance from an academic and practical perspective for organizations offering such programs as well as women who might consider a run for political office.”—Dianne Bystrom, Director Emerita, Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, Iowa State University