The First Ask Celebrates Women’s History Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eleanor Walter
March 4, 2025 ewalter@thefirstask.org
The First Ask Celebrates Women’s History Month
Washington, D.C. — As Women's History Month begins, The First Ask recognizes the invaluable contributions of women throughout history and emphasizes the need for greater representation in state legislatures.
In the organization’s inaugural year, The First Ask supported more than 20 women running for state legislative seats across the country. This year, The First Ask is fully committed to electing women to Virginia and New Jersey’s state legislatures and strengthening Democratic majorities in both states. Thus far, there are three endorsees including Katie Brennan of New Jersey Assembly District 32, May Nivar of Virginia House District 57, and Nicole Cole of Virginia House District 66.
Caroline Welles, Executive Director of The First Ask, issued the following statement regarding Women’s History Month:
“State legislatures are where critical policies are crafted, affecting education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and reproductive rights. When women serve in these roles, they bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences that lead to more inclusive and effective policymaking. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in state legislatures—Women only hold about 30% of seats nationwide. Women deserve to be fully and accurately represented in the legislative bodies making decisions about our bodies. This Women’s History Month, The First Ask celebrating all the work that has been done to advance women’s rights and working to push those rights further.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and supporting Democratic women to run for State Legislatures nationwide. The organization advocates for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
The First Ask Announces Their Endorsement of May Nivar for Virginia House of Delegates District 57
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eleanor Walter
February 27, 2025 ewalter@thefirstask.org
The First Ask Announces Their Endorsement of May Nivar for Virginia House of Delegates District 57
Washington, DC — The First Ask announces its support for Democrat May Nivar’s candidacy for Virginia House of Delegates in the 57th District. As the daughter of immigrants, Nivar has spent her career advocating for families like her own. Nivar’s 30 years of experience in corporate communications have allowed her to be an advocate for workforce development, women’s rights, and marginalized communities. In the House of Delegates, Nivar promises to fight to lower the cost of living and build an economy that works for everyone, fully fund public education, and defend reproductive freedom.
“I am so proud that The First Ask has endorsed May!” said Caroline Welles, Executive Director of The First Ask.
“May has done immense good for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Greater Richmond area through her service on the boards of several statewide and local organizations. May has advocated for an economy that works for all, equitable education, and to uplift AAPI communities, women and other marginalized people in the State of Virginia. From working in her parent’s restaurant as a kid to putting herself through college, May will tell you her entire life story has proved that the American Dream can come true. I know May will fight to make that American Dream more attainable for others across Virginia.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and supporting Democratic women to run for State Chambers nationwide. The organization advocates for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
The First Ask Proudly Supports Nicole Cole for Virginia House of Delegates District 66
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eleanor Walter
February 25, 2025 ewalter@thefirstask.org
The First Ask Proudly Supports Nicole Cole for Virginia House of Delegates District 66
Washington, DC — The First Ask proudly announces its full support for Nicole Cole’s campaign for Virginia House of Delegates in the 66th District. Born and raised in Virginia, Cole is a business owner, financial planner and advisor, nonprofit leader, and proud mother of three. She serves as a member of the Spotsylvania County School Board.
Caroline Welles, Executive Director of The First Ask, issued the following statement on the endorsement:
“Nicole has done tremendous work to fight back against extremists on the Spotsylvania County School Board and save her schools from being overtaken by hateful actors. She has used her experience as a business owner, non-profit leader, and advocate to not only stand up for what is right, but to deliver positive results to her constituents. I know Nicole will always use her resources, passion, and knowledge to fight for what is right, no matter how difficult the fight may be. I am so proud that the First Ask is endorsing Nicole—I have no doubt in my mind that she will make an excellent legislator.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and supporting Democratic women to run for State Chambers nationwide. The organization advocates for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
The First Ask proudly supports Katie Brennan for New Jersey State Assembly District 32
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Eleanor Walter February 20, 2025 ewalter@thefirstask.org
The First Ask proudly supports Katie Brennan for New Jersey State Assembly District 32
Washington, DC — The First Ask proudly announces its full support for Katie Brennan’s campaign for New Jersey State Assembly. Brennan began her career in politics working against then-Governor Chris Christie to preserve protections for affordable housing. She launched the first-ever statewide hospital and housing agency partnership, creating a model for building affordable housing for families with serious medical needs.
Caroline Welles, Executive Director of The First Ask, issued the following statement on the endorsement:
“Katie Brennan knows the importance of bold leadership and progressive change. Katie has spent the last 15 years standing up to power to deliver results for her community. As an activist and policy professional, Katie has brought huge wins to the State of New Jersey by increasing access to affordable housing and protections for survivors of sexual assault. Katie knows what it takes to fight for change. We are proud to endorse her and look forward to seeing her fight for justice in Trenton next year.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and supporting Democratic women to run for State Chambers nationwide. The organization advocates for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
The First Ask Congratulates Candidates Who Have Advanced to the Georgia General Election
Washington, DC – Results are in from the Georgia legislative primary and The First Ask has claimed victory in four different elections.
The First Ask congratulates their endorsed Georgia candidates: Debra Shigley (House District 47), Susie Greenberg (House District 53), Michele Kang (House District 99), and Mary Ann Santos (House District 117).
Notably, both Greenberg and Kang both received more votes than their Republican opponents, demonstrating a clear path to victory in flipping both GA-53 and GA-99 from red to blue.
The Executive Director of The First Ask, Caroline Welles, has made the following statement regarding the The First Ask’s electoral wins in Georgia:
“Congratulations to these women and their campaign teams on their victory in the primary election. These candidates have proven that they are dedicated to winning this November and-as all eyes turn to the Presidential election–that they are dedicated to bringing much needed change to the Georgia General Assembly.
This election has already proven to be pivotal to women running for office nationwide, with women everywhere reacting to the cruel and controlling legislation created by Republicans at both the state and federal levels. The First Ask is incredibly proud to support women such as Debra, Susie, Michelle, and Mary Ann who are committed to changing not just Georgia, but the landscape of politics all together. We are confident that with such remarkable candidates on the ballot, we will see more Democratic women in the Georgia General Assembly next session.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and enlisting Democratic women to run for State Chambers nationwide. They advocate for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
The First Ask Congratulates Molly Cook on her Special Election Victory in Texas SD-15
Washington, DC – The First Ask endorsed candidate Molly Cook won her Special Election to represent Texas’s 15th Senate District by a 14 point margin. Senator-Elect Cook is the first woman to represent this Democratic stronghold in the Texas Senate. In addition, Cook will be the only nurse serving in the upper chamber of the Texas Legislature.
Washington, DC – The First Ask endorsed candidate Molly Cook won her Special Election to represent Texas’s 15th Senate District by a 14 point margin. Senator-Elect Cook is the first woman to represent this Democratic stronghold in the Texas Senate. In addition, Cook will be the only nurse serving in the upper chamber of the Texas Legislature.
Senator-Elect Cook will be on the ballot again on May 28 for the primary run-off election.
Executive Director of The First Ask, Caroline Welles, has made the following statement regarding the results in Pennsylvania:
“Congratulations to Senator-Elect Cook for her historic victory in Saturday’s Special Election. As the first woman to represent SD-15 and the only nurse serving in the Texas Senate, Senator-Elect Cook offers a much needed perspective in the body. The First Ask remains steadfast in our commitment to electing Cook to be the Democratic nominee in the Primary Runoff on May 28.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and enlisting Democratic women to run for State Chambers nationwide. They advocate for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
Cook is the second woman supported by The First Ask to serve in a state legislature, following Migican State Representative Mai Xiong’s special election victory in April.