The representation of mothers with young children among state legislators in the United States remains quite low, with only 7.9% of legislators fitting this demographic. However, Nevada stands out by having 12.7% of its lawmakers as mothers of minors, positioning the state as fifth in this regard nationwide, as reported by the Vote Mama Foundation in their Politics of Parenthood: Representation in State Legislatures 2024 report.
Sarah Hague, serving as the chief program officer, underscores the vital role mothers can play in shaping policies on childcare, paid leave, and maternal health. “The experience of pregnancy, of labor, of navigating the healthcare system to get postpartum care covered by insurance, all of these experiences that moms have, are not informing our policy right now because they’re not in the rooms where decisions are being made a lot of the time,” Hague stated, emphasizing the need for these voices in legislative spaces.
The visibility of mothers in leadership is also significant. A notable example is Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, who brought her newborn to the Senate floor soon after childbirth in 2023, showcasing the merging roles of motherhood and leadership.
Despite these promising signs, challenges persist. In 2022, mothers of young children represented just 5.3% of state legislators, with 20% departing their roles for various reasons such as advancing to higher offices, retirement, or caregiving responsibilities since the initial Vote Mama Foundation report. “Getting women elected into office is only one step of the puzzle. Keeping women in office is a whole other conversation that we have to be having,” Hague remarked, highlighting the need for ongoing support.
To support these lawmakers, the report suggests measures such as using campaign funds for childcare costs. The Nevada Secretary of State’s office is exploring legislation to permit the use of unspent campaign funds for childcare, eldercare, and health insurance premiums. Additionally, the provision of changing stations in capitol bathrooms is recommended to aid not only legislators but also staff, lobbyists, and journalists.
