Latino leaders surge into local office as Trump-era attacks fuel new urgency
AP April 2026
Welles, executive director of The First Ask, an organization that supports first-time female candidates at the state level, said the reason why Latino representation is more visible at the local level is because those leaders are able to built trust with their community much easier given their proximity…
Viral Olivia Rodrigo Video Sparks Debate With ‘Tradwife’ Claims
Newsweek March 2026
Caroline Welles, a Democratic strategist, founder of The First Ask, a national organization supporting Democratic women running for state legislature, told Newsweek: "The Rodrigo moment is a small example of a larger trend: she made Filipino food for a Vogue segment, celebrating her heritage, and got labeled a "trad wife." That says everything about the interpretive lens being applied to young women right now and nothing about Olivia Rodrigo."
Married Women With Husband’s Name Could Face Big Problem Voting in Midterms
Newsweek Feb 2026
Newsweek spoke with Caroline Welles, executive director & founder of The First Ask—an organization focused on electing first-time female candidates and advocating on voter issues…