Empowering candidacy: how authorizing the use of campaign funds for childcare increases women’s candidacy for state legislatures

Women remain underrepresented at all levels of government in the United States and face numerous barriers to political participation, one of the most significant being household and caregiving responsibilities. This study uses policy feedback theory to determine if policies allowing campaign funds for childcare (CFCC) send a signal to all women – mothers or not – that politics is a more accessible and supportive environment. Using data from the Vote Mama Foundation and the Database on Ideology, Money in Politics, and Elections (DIME), the findings reveal that states implementing CFCC policies see a notable rise in women’s candidacies for state legislatures. These results underscore the critical role of states in reducing barriers for women and increasing their political representation. By fostering greater participation at the state level, CFCC policies can improve gender norms and strengthen the pipeline of women candidates, potentially leading to future increases in women’s representation at the federal level.