National Women's Political Caucus of Washington

Last year was a gangbusters year in terms of books written by women. Take a look at a few we've been reading.

Samantha Casne has just been elected caucus president. Here's what she has to say about our work last year -- and how you can help the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington elect a woman-powered Washington in 2018.

I still remember how I felt on November 8th, 2016 as the election results came in. I bet you do too. But here we are, almost one year later, and in this Washington, our Washington, we have the opportunity to send a strong message by electing women candidates in every corner of the state tomorrow. Can we count on seeing you and your vote turnout for women candidates tomorrow, Tuesday, November 7th?

You are ready to run.

“Where you are right now, you are ready to run.”

When I heard Maggie Humphreys say those words, I heard an audible gasp in the group. My eyes opened wide. I was in South Seattle surrounded by more than 100 women, who were all there for one reason: to learn what it takes to run for political office. And we were just told that we were qualified.

January 20, 2017. The date loomed ominously on my calendar for weeks after election night. I had been searching for ways to increase my participation in politics and for causes I believe in after the massive disappointment I felt on November 8th. That urge to get involved led me to the National Women’s Political Caucus, and I attended my first meeting November 13th. The energy I felt in that meeting was invigorating, and I made a promise to myself that I was going to become more engaged and involved in the coming year.

Amidst the heartache many of us felt at the presidential election results this past November, Washington State made some great advances in electing more women to the state legislature—and this week, those new women Representatives and Senators, along with their returning colleagues, are getting to work.

As 2016 comes to a close, many of us are saying “good riddance” to the year that has brought us so much discord and disappointment. Not only did Secretary Clinton lose the presidency -- despite winning the popular vote by over 2 million votes --- but we also said goodbye to strong women icons such as Gwen Ifill, Carrie Fisher, and Janet Reno.

“Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let’s do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear. Making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet. And breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams.”

—Secretary Clinton’s Presidential Concession Speech

On Monday, August 8, the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington (NWPC-WA) was joined by a great group of men committed to recruiting and training women to run for office. The NWPC-WA held its third annual Men for Women event, which was a resounding success.

By Kiana Scott

Hillary Clinton is suddenly bringing gender, subtly and explicitly, into the 2016 presidential election.  Today, Clinton has nailed a balance that she has previously struggled to stick—inspiring supporters with her public communication and rhetoric, and embracing the impact of her gender in this historic, groundbreaking moment.