Institute of Governmental Studies

Since at least 1992, women have been more likely to run for competitive seats in the California assembly than seats that are safe for their party. In other words, women have been more likely to run for seats that are difficult to win and are arguably more challenging to represent in the legislature. This paper examines why this has been true over the last seven election cycles (1992-2004) and how these findings affect women candidates and legislators. It also makes recommendations for using these findings to increase the number and power of women in the legislature.