THE
FIRST ASK
Supporting First-Time Democratic
Women for State Legislature
Why We Exist
The 2024 election left many Democrats discouraged, but it reminded us why state power matters. While others wrote state legislative races off, we invested early. When candidates needed support most, we showed up. When the results came in, our candidates won every single time.
Women make up only 40% of state legislators nationwide despite being 51% of the population. The barriers are real and measurable:
less than 27%
Of men have considered
running for office. Only
40% of women have.
2/3 Less
Women are two-thirds
less likely than men to be encouraged to run by party leaders
2x More
Men are twice as likely as women to have "seriously considered" running
State power matters. Women are underrepresented. The pipeline wasn't built — we're building it.
The pipeline isn't broken. It was never built.
That's why we exist.
What We Do
SUPPORT FIRST, SUPPORT EARLY
We provide support before anyone else will.
While major organizations wait for competitive primaries or general elections, we:
Identify promising non-incumbent women in overlooked districts
Provide hands-on strategy and organizing support from day one
Help them build credibility that unlocks funding from other sources
Stay with them through launch, primary, and general election
Our support is comprehensive: campaign strategy, organizing expertise, communications guidance, and direct contributions. Everything provided in-kind at no cost to candidates.
Who We Support
The barriers are real and measurable.
The 2024 election left many Democrats discouraged, but it reminded us why state power matters. While others wrote state legislative races off, we invested early. When candidates needed support most, we showed up. When the results came in, our candidates won every single time.
Women make up only 32% of state legislators nationwide—despite being 51% of the population. The barriers are real and measurable:
Our Impact
We don't wait until candidates are "viable." We provide support before anyone else will.
11
Women Elected to State Legislatures
40+
Candidates Supported
100%
Win Rate in the 2025 General Election
9
States Represented & Growing
08
Virginia Seats Flipped (7 from Republican men)
$20.33
Average Donation
Our impact on candidates
“I know that many believed, through to November 4th, that my election was a longshot since the incumbent had been in office 35 years. The First Ask was one of the first PACs to reach out to me early to offer support to my campaign. I believed we would win. The early money and belief from The First Ask helped build our momentum to garner wider support and attention for our campaign from donors and volunteers.”
Delegate Nicole Cole (VA HD-66),defeated 35-year Republican incumbent
The First Ask endorsed and supported me early (before it was cool). The organization provided material support with funding, texting, and phone banking, and they were there for me on an emotional level whenever I needed them. That kind of loving support from other women is exactly what we need to build the future of politics all women deserve in America
State Senator Molly Cook, Texas SD-15
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