Women and Politics

Where did May go? How is it almost over? I can’t believe that TOMORROW, the 19th, is the special election for Dr. Judy Chu.

Judy is running for Congress in CA’s 32nd district to fill the seat left when President Obama nominated Hilda Solis as the Secretary of Labor. Many women’s organizations, including WCF, have endorsed Judy, because she’s a strong candidate with a record of protecting reproductive justice.

WomenCount caught up with Dr. Chu and talked to her about women running for office. Judy said that although women are supporting each other more and more, the “Old Boys” club is still alive and well:

When my local Assembly seat opened up in 2001, I decided to run. But the Old Boy’s Network wanted a male, and they put all their resources into backing him and putting up roadblocks for me. But then there was a turning point in the race. It was when Congresswoman Hilda Solis decided to support me. Her support provided the critical boost that I needed to win.

As WCF knows all too well, running for office isn’t a common career goal for young women. Most of the time, it’s not even on the radar. Dr. Chu tells MOMocrats that it was her activism on issues like women’s rights that inspired her to build on her momentum and run for office.

I realized that it was possible for me to be a community activist too, and to be a leader in changing people’s lives for the better. I joined the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment for women, and then taught classes at UCLA on Asian American Women.

Though she thinks she’s the best candidate for the job, Dr. Chu also told WomenCount how important it is for women to achieve parity in public office:

The fact that we represent only 17% of Congress is outrageous. I think the more women who serve, the more our interests will be served. Not that there aren’t good progressive men fighting for women’s rights, but we bring a unique perspective that comes with being a daughter, a wife, a mother or a grandmother.

Right on. I love how Dr. Chu is speaking out on the need for women’s equality in public life. It’s truly experienced women like her that inspire women to run for office. I hope CA’s 32nd will go out and support this fabulous candidate, advocate, and women in tomorrow’s special election - Congress needs her.

Tags: california, congress, equality in office, gender parity, judy chu, special election