Record number of women will serve in state legislatures in 2023

A record number of women will serve in state legislatures in 2023, slightly surpassing the record set this year.

At least 2,376 women — including 1,560 Democrats and 795 Republicans — won November elections or hold seats that were not up for re-election this year, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. That’s up from the previous record of 2,307.

Women are on track to hold at least 32% of seats in state legislatures. There are 59 — 36 Democrats and 23 Republicans — in races that are still too close to call.

Women will hold record numbers of both state House and Senate seats.

There will be at least 584 female state senators — including 378 Democrats and 188 Republicans — up from the previous record of 564 set in 2022. They’ll hold at least 29.6% of state Senate seats nationwide.

At least 1,792 women — including 1,182 Democrats and 607 Republicans — will hold state House seats, up from the previous record of 1,747 set in 2022. That’s at least 33.1% of state House seats nationwide.

Women will hold 51% of the seats in the Colorado state legislature, making it only the second state where women are the majority.

Nevada became the first state to reach that milestone after the 2018 elections. The number of women serving there will also increase next year, with women on track to hold more than 60% of the seats.

As women make gains overall, they’re also taking new leadership posts in states across the country.