The 2024 election cycle is unfolding with unique narratives, particularly concerning gender and intersectional dynamics. Experts in gender and politics are closely observing how these factors are shaping campaign themes, voter behavior, and the overall political landscape. This analysis delves into key insights from over fifty scholars and practitioners, offering a comprehensive understanding of gender’s evolving influence on the presidential race and down-ballot contests as we approach Election Day in November 2024.
The Enthusiasm Surge: Harris/Walz Ticket and Voters of Color
Anna Sampaio, Professor of Ethnic Studies and Political Science at Santa Clara University, highlights a significant shift in voter enthusiasm following Kamala Harris securing the Democratic presidential nomination and choosing Tim Walz as her running mate. Polling data reveals a notable closing of the enthusiasm gap, especially among voters of color.
Prior to Harris’s nomination, surveys indicated dissatisfaction among Black, Latina/o/x, Asian, and young voters regarding the presidential candidate choices. However, recent polls from sources like Quinnipiac University and TelevisaUnivision demonstrate a marked increase in support for the Harris/Walz ticket, particularly in key states like Pennsylvania. This surge is especially pronounced among women and non-white voters.
Furthermore, polling from Somos PAC and BSP Research across battleground states, including Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, reinforces this trend. Latina/o/x registered voters show increased enthusiasm for Harris and a greater likelihood to vote in November. Given that Latinas/os/xs constitute the largest concentration of non-white voters in the 2024 electorate, their increased engagement could be decisive in both the presidential and congressional races.
Mobilizing the Electorate: Strategic Networks of Women of Color
Christina Bejarano, Professor of Political Science at Texas Woman’s University, and Wendy Smooth, Professor at The Ohio State University, emphasize the critical role of women of color (WOC) organizations in mobilizing voters. While the presidential election often dominates headlines, the groundwork for electoral success lies in grassroots strategies and voter turnout.
Their research underscores the growing influence of WOC-led groups in expanding the electorate and increasing turnout among low-propensity voters. The 2020 election cycle, which saw significant voter mobilization efforts in Georgia, serves as a prime example of their impact. These organizations operate year-round, building community connections and addressing socio-economic issues relevant to their communities.
Instead of transactional “Get-Out-the-Vote” drives, these groups focus on long-term engagement, fostering a deeper connection to the democratic process. As the campaign progresses, the focus shifts to observing the turnout game, particularly how these organizations leverage Vice President Harris’s agenda and historic candidacy to engage voters of color in battleground states.
Intersectional Electoral Coalitions: Harris’s Unique Appeal
Malliga Och, Associate Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Denison University, points out that Kamala Harris’s intersectional identity—as a woman, a Black woman, and a South Asian woman—is a defining feature of her candidacy. While media coverage sometimes overlooks her biracial heritage, Harris openly embraces all facets of her identity.
By acknowledging and celebrating her Jamaican and Indian backgrounds, Harris is forging a new, diverse Democratic coalition. This coalition includes multiracial Americans and the growing Indian American population, many of whom identify with the Democratic Party or are independent voters.
In 2020, Indian American voter turnout was notably high, and this demographic could play a crucial role in swing states like Georgia in 2024. The enthusiasm within the South Asian community for Harris is evident in fundraising efforts and volunteer sign-ups. Harris’s ability to connect with and mobilize this intersectional coalition could be a key factor in the election’s outcome.
Navigating Racism and Sexism: Challenges for the Harris/Walz Ticket
Erin C. Cassese, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware, examines the persistent challenges of racism and sexism in the electoral arena. With a woman at the top of the ticket, questions about sexism’s role are inevitable.
Research indicates that sexism can influence both candidate choice and campaign engagement. Hostile gendered rhetoric can, paradoxically, increase political participation among individuals holding sexist views. However, discriminatory attitudes can also depress political behavior, particularly among Democrats who may experience cross-pressures related to gender and race beliefs.
This complex interplay suggests that the Harris/Walz ticket will need to strategically address and navigate both overt and subtle forms of racism and sexism from across the political spectrum. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting voter behavior and campaign effectiveness.
Communicating Across Communities: Harris’s Messaging Strategy
Nadia E. Brown, Professor of Government at Georgetown University, and Sarah Allen Gershon, Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University, are analyzing Vice President Harris’s communication strategies regarding identity and shared experiences. A key question is how she balances messaging to connect with specific identity groups while appealing to a broad and diverse electorate.
Their research on women of color’s political communication suggests that minority women elites often draw upon personal experiences to convey complex policy positions. Women of color can effectively reach diverse marginalized groups due to shared experiences of intersectional oppression.
As the first woman of color presidential nominee, Harris’s approach to messaging will be closely watched. The challenge lies in effectively communicating with communities she represents while simultaneously building broader appeal as a presidential candidate in a diverse nation.
A Multiracial Democracy: The Door Opens for Women of Color
Aimee Allison, Founder and President of She the People, argues that the United States is approaching a pivotal moment in realizing a multiracial democracy. Kamala Harris’s nomination signifies a shift in political culture, challenging traditional assumptions about who can lead a major party and the nation.
Harris’s profile—as a child of immigrants, a Black woman, and a former prosecutor—resonates with a growing number of Americans. She is perceived as authentic, competent, and capable of addressing key issues. Polls indicate a growing preference among Americans for a woman of color president.
This cultural shift extends beyond individual candidates, impacting broader beliefs and values. Establishing a multiracial democracy requires a language of solidarity and an appreciation for diverse identities. The rise of women of color in politics signals a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation, potentially reshaping the political landscape for generations.
Women Responding: Data and Enthusiasm for VP Harris
A’shanti F. Gholar, President of Emerge, emphasizes the enthusiastic response from women voters to Vice President Harris’s candidacy. From grassroots organizing to the Democratic National Convention, momentum has shifted in favor of the Harris/Walz ticket, particularly among women.
Data supports this observation, showing Harris re-engaging young women voters and gaining majority support from women overall. This trend is expected to continue as the election approaches. With early voting underway, the anticipation is that women voters will play a decisive role in supporting Harris at the top of the ticket.
Gender Stereotypes Waning: Evaluating Candidates Beyond Gender
Kathleen Dolan, Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and Jennifer L. Lawless, Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, challenge the persistent question of whether the United States is ready to elect a woman president. They argue that gender stereotypes among voters are waning.
Their recent research, based on voter surveys in gubernatorial primary elections, found no evidence that voters evaluate candidates through a gendered lens. In fact, voters rated women candidates as favorably as men on various traits and issues.
While acknowledging that bias and discrimination still exist, their findings suggest that gender stereotypes are less of a barrier than often assumed. This evolving perception of female candidates is crucial to consider when analyzing the 2024 election cycle.
Hope and Enthusiasm: Emotional Attachments to Kamala Harris
Stephanie DeMora, Assistant Professor at Stony Brook University, Jennifer Merolla, Professor at the University of California, Riverside, and Maricruz Osorio, Assistant Professor at Bentley University, are investigating the role of emotional attachments—specifically hope and enthusiasm—towards Kamala Harris. These emotions are significant drivers of voter turnout and campaign engagement.
Preliminary analysis of national survey data reveals nuanced patterns. While women, overall, express slightly less hope compared to men, this may reflect past disappointments in breaking gender barriers. However, among women, Democrats are significantly more hopeful about Harris than Republicans. Further research will explore the intersections of gender, partisanship, and race in shaping these emotional responses.
Policy Priorities: Harris’s Lived Experiences and Agenda
Michele Swers, Professor of American Government at Georgetown University, examines how Kamala Harris’s lived experiences will shape her policy priorities. While her platform will align with Democratic Party positions, her unique perspective as a Black and South Asian woman will undoubtedly influence her decision-making.
Harris’s career trajectory, from prosecuting child sexual assault cases to advocating for maternal health and reproductive rights, reflects her priorities. As Vice President, she has been a leading voice on abortion rights and has championed issues related to the care economy, drawing from her personal experiences and family background. Her policy focus on the child tax credit and care economy initiatives highlights the potential impact of her lived experiences on her policy agenda.
Framing Abortion Rights: A Key Campaign Strategy
Rachel VanSickle-Ward, Professor of Political Science at Pitzer College, analyzes the Harris/Walz campaign’s approach to reproductive rights. In the post-Dobbs v. Jackson era, abortion access has become a central issue. Harris has been more outspoken in her support of abortion rights than her predecessor, and her running mate also has a clear pro-choice record.
While Hillary Clinton previously broke ground in forcefully advocating for abortion rights, the current context elevates the significance of this issue. Research suggests that the gender of the political leader influences how reproductive health policy messages are framed and received. Having a woman at the top of the ticket is significant in shaping the campaign narrative and potential policy outcomes related to abortion rights.
Parenthood and Party Policies: Reflecting American Families’ Priorities
Laurel Elder, Professor and Chair of Political Science at Hartwick College, explores the role of parenthood as a theme in the 2024 election. Despite partisan rhetoric suggesting a deep divide on family values, empirical data reveals surprising similarities in parenting experiences across party lines.
Americans, regardless of party affiliation, share similar experiences in starting families, family size, and maternal employment. The key question is whether party policies genuinely reflect the priorities of American parents, which include affordable childcare, quality education, healthcare, and work-life balance support. Analyzing how candidates address these issues will be crucial in understanding the politics of parenthood in 2024.
Gendered Traits and Party Images: Voters’ Perceptions
Erin Cassese, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware, and Heather L. Ondercin, Associate Professor at Appalachian State University, investigate how gendered traits are employed by candidates and parties. With a woman on the ticket, gendered language in politics is likely to increase.
Their research shows that voters often associate feminine traits (e.g., compassionate, helping) with the Democratic Party and masculine traits (e.g., powerful, responsible) with the Republican Party. It will be important to observe how candidates, media, and parties reinforce or challenge these gendered images. Interestingly, voters across party lines tend to associate feminine traits positively with the Democratic Party, suggesting a potential advantage for Democrats in leveraging these associations.
The Woman Rescuer Trope: Harris’s Path to Nomination
Jennifer M. Piscopo, Professor of Gender and Politics at Royal Holloway University of London, examines the “woman rescuer” trope in the context of Kamala Harris’s nomination. Historically, ambitious women in politics have faced criticism and decreased likability.
However, Harris’s favorability has surged since becoming the Democratic nominee. The key difference lies in her path to nomination. Unlike previous campaigns, Harris did not compete in an open primary or overtly express ambition. Instead, she played a loyal vice-presidential role until President Biden stepped aside.
This narrative positions Harris as a “savior” figure, stepping into leadership without explicitly seeking it. This traditional gendered trope of the woman rescuer could be a powerful factor in her favor as she seeks the presidency.
Masculinity Portraits: Contrasting Leadership Visions
Jennie Sweet-Cushman, Associate Professor of Political Science at Chatham University, analyzes the presentation of masculinity in the 2024 election. The Democratic ticket, featuring Harris and Walz, presents a different portrait of leadership compared to the Republican side.
While executive offices are often associated with masculine traits, Harris is being portrayed in ways that challenge gender stereotypes, such as being labeled a “tough prosecutor.” Her running mate, Tim Walz, is presented with both traditional masculine leadership qualities and gentler, more thoughtful traits. This contrasts sharply with the masculinity projected by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, raising questions about which vision of leadership resonates with weakly partisan or independent voters.
Fundraising Appeals: Abortion Messaging and PAC Strategies
Rosalyn Cooperman, Professor and Chair at the University of Mary Washington, is tracking campaign finance trends, particularly how political action committees (PACs) are fundraising in the 2024 election. Progressive women’s PACs are prominently featuring Kamala Harris and abortion rights in their fundraising appeals.
Conversely, conservative women’s PACs are not emphasizing either Donald Trump or abortion in their fundraising efforts. Historical data indicates that abortion-related messaging is a successful fundraising tool for Democrats and progressive groups but less so for Republicans. With Harris as the first female main-party nominee in the post-Roe era, observing how parties and PACs utilize these messages is crucial.
Native Women’s Political Rise: A Revolution in Representation
Anathea Chino, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Advance Native Political Leadership, highlights the potential historic rise of Native women in politics, particularly Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. If Governor Tim Walz were to become Vice President or take a federal position, Flanagan could become the first Native American woman governor in U.S. history.
Flanagan’s career has been dedicated to empowering Native leaders, especially women. Her potential ascension is part of a broader trend of increasing numbers of Native women and Two Spirit, non-binary, and transgender candidates running for office. This rise represents a significant shift in representation and demands attention and support in the coming months.
Decreasing Latina Congressional Candidates: A Concern for Representation
Anna Sampaio, Professor of Ethnic Studies and Political Science at Santa Clara University, expresses concern about the decrease in Latina candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite Latinas/os/xs being the largest non-white population, Latinas remain underrepresented in national politics.
While the number of Latina Senate candidates has slightly increased, the number of Latina House candidates has decreased from a high in 2022. This is concerning given Congress’s significant role in issues like immigration, voting rights, and abortion access, which disproportionately affect Latina/o/x communities. The decline in Latina congressional candidates could diminish their voices and representation on critical policy issues.
Republican Women’s Representation: Stagnant Growth
Laurel Elder, Professor and Chair of Political Science at Hartwick College, points out the striking partisan gap in women’s representation. While Kamala Harris’s nomination is historic, it reflects a larger trend of women’s political advancement being primarily within the Democratic Party.
Women’s representation in the Republican Party has stagnated over the past three decades, while women are nearing parity among elected Democrats. This partisan gap is partly attributed to the strong performance of women of color, who overwhelmingly identify as Democrats. The 2024 election will reveal whether Harris’s candidacy further widens this partisan gap in women’s representation in Congress.
Harris as a Champion of Women’s Leadership
A’shanti F. Gholar, President of Emerge, underscores Vice President Harris’s role as a champion and mentor for women in leadership. Harris has actively mentored and recruited women for Emerge’s training programs, fostering a pipeline of women leaders in politics.
Emerge, an organization dedicated to training women to run for office, originated from Kamala Harris’s early campaigns. Harris’s commitment to women’s leadership extends beyond her own career, aiming to build a broader network of women in government at all levels.
California Politics: Milestones for Gender Parity and Racial Diversity
Susannah Delano, Executive Director of Close the Gap California, highlights potential milestones for gender parity and racial diversity in California politics in the 2024 elections. The California State Senate is poised to reach gender parity, and the State Assembly could potentially follow suit.
California is also witnessing numerous “firsts” for women of color and LGBTQ+ candidates. Enthusiasm for Vice President Harris’s candidacy could boost turnout and support for down-ballot women candidates in state legislative races. The strong fundraising performance of diverse women candidates in California signals a shift towards greater inclusivity and representation.
Maryland Senate Race: A Key Contest for Women to Watch
Christine M. Slaughter, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Boston University, emphasizes the competitive Maryland Senate race between Angela Alsobrooks and Larry Hogan as a crucial contest for women to monitor. This race could determine Senate control, and Alsobrooks, if elected, would be the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate. Her strong stance on reproductive rights further underscores the race’s significance for women voters.
Women’s Political Voice: Campaign Contributions and Donor Patterns
Kira Sanbonmatsu, Professor of Political Science and Senior Scholar at CAWP, is tracking the role of money in the 2024 elections through CAWP’s Women, Money, & Politics Watch project. Past research shows women’s campaign contributions lag behind men’s, limiting their political voice.
This cycle, gendered patterns in fundraising and donor behavior are evident. Women of color are particularly underrepresented as donors, potentially hindering the campaign resources available to their preferred candidates. Analyzing these donor patterns is crucial to understanding women’s financial influence in the 2024 elections.
Racially Restrictive Voting Laws: Shaping Voter Experience and Confidence
Christine M. Slaughter, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Boston University, raises concerns about racially restrictive voting laws implemented across states. Despite Democratic voter enthusiasm, these laws, along with redistricting lawsuits, could shape voter experiences and confidence in the election.
Legislation limiting mail-in voting, consolidating polling locations, and stricter ID requirements can lead to longer wait times and voter frustration. Emerging voter intimidation tactics in states previously protected by the Voting Rights Act are also concerning. These factors could disproportionately impact voters of color and undermine voter confidence in the electoral process.
Abortion Messaging: A Key Democratic Strategy
Erin Cassese, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware, and Heather L. Ondercin, Associate Professor at Appalachian State University, highlight abortion as a key issue for Democrats since the Dobbs decision. A majority of Americans support legal abortion, and preference intensity on this issue is significant.
Research suggests that the Dobbs decision has increased preference intensity among Democrats regarding abortion rights. This indicates that the Democratic Party is well-served by keeping abortion at the forefront of campaign messaging, as it resonates strongly with their base and potentially mobilizes voters.
Congress and Abortion Policy: Beyond the Presidency
Michele Swers, Professor of American Government at Georgetown University, emphasizes that the future of abortion policy depends on the balance of power in Congress, not just the presidential race. While abortion is a central issue for Democratic campaigns, control of the House and Senate will determine the legislative landscape for abortion policy.
Democrats hope ballot initiatives on abortion will drive turnout, but the issue’s impact varies across states. Regardless of the presidential outcome, lasting changes to abortion policy require congressional action, particularly through the appropriations process. The closely divided Congress will face challenges in enacting significant abortion policy changes, highlighting the importance of congressional races in this context.
Women’s Political Leadership: Contagious Momentum?
Jennie Sweet-Cushman, Associate Professor of Political Science at Chatham University, examines the “contagious” nature of women’s political leadership across states. States with established patterns of women in leadership positions seem poised to continue increasing their numbers, while others lag behind.
Observing these state-level variations will reveal whether women’s political leadership exhibits a momentum effect, where success in one area fosters further progress. Analyzing these trends provides insights into the broader dynamics of women’s political representation across the United States.
Conclusion
The 2024 election is marked by significant gender and intersectional dynamics. Expert analysis reveals the crucial role of women of color in voter mobilization, the evolving perceptions of women candidates, and the strategic importance of issues like abortion rights. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone seeking to follow the election closely.
For those looking to watch the election 2024 unfold, various news networks and online platforms will provide comprehensive coverage on election night and throughout the campaign season. Major networks like CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS, along with digital news outlets, will offer live results, expert commentary, and in-depth analysis. Staying informed through these reliable sources is crucial to understanding the nuances of this pivotal election and the impact of gender and intersectionality on its outcome.
Further Resources:
- CAWP’s Election Watch: https://cawp.rutgers.edu/election-watch
- CAWP’s Post-Election Reports: https://womenrun.rutgers.edu/
- CAWP Data on 2024 Women Candidates: https://cawp.rutgers.edu/blog/data-2024-women-candidates-race-and-ethnicity
- OpenSecrets: https://www.opensecrets.org/
Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not endorse any political candidates or parties.
