In the News
The First Ask in the headlines. Read the latest coverage of our work, our candidates, and the political issues shaping our country.
For Press Inquiries - please reach out to apan@thefirstask.org
In The News
The First Ask in the headlines. Read the latest coverage of our work, our candidates, and the political issues shaping our country.
For Press Inquiries - please reach out to apan@thefirstask.org
News 12 | October 30, 2026
Caroline Welles joins News 12 to discuss the surge in early voting across New York City, the economic concerns motivating voters, and why growing confidence in the power of their vote may be driving increased participation.
The Ryan Vet Show | October 2026
Caroline Welles joins Republican strategist Marc Lotter for a conversation about Gen Z voters, political engagement, and the future of American elections.
Stateline | October 2026
The First Ask's Caroline Welles speaks with Stateline about the growing number of women running for state legislatures and why building a lasting pipeline of women candidates matters.
WMAR-2 News | October 2026
The First Ask's Caroline Welles speaks with WMAR-2 News about threats targeting election officials and lawmakers, the growing climate of political intimidation, and its impact on women's participation in public service.
Stateline | October 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with Stateline about housing affordability measures on the 2026 ballot and how different policy approaches could affect voters and their communities.
The Straits Times September 2026
Caroline Welles weighs in on the unprecedented spending in the 2026 midterms, why money alone can't determine election outcomes, and the limits of political advertising in an increasingly polarized electorate.
Newsweek | September 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with Newsweek about the growing political debate over school vouchers, how education policy is shaping state-level elections, and what's at stake for public schools.
Newsweek | August 2026
The First Ask's Caroline Welles weighs in on America's lack of guaranteed paid maternity leave and the political decisions that leave millions of women without adequate support after childbirth.
Cowboy State Radio | June 2026
Caroline Welles joins Cowboy State Daily for a conversation about The First Ask, the importance of electing more women to state legislatures, and the changing landscape of American politics.
Fortune | July 2026
Caroline Welles discusses the influence of billionaire donors in the 2026 midterms, the limits of political spending, and why grassroots organizing and direct voter engagement remain essential to winning elections.
Gender on the Ballot | June 2024
A look at the critical role state legislatures play in determining women's rights, from reproductive freedom to economic opportunity, and why electing more women to state office is essential to shaping the policies that affect our everyday lives.
The Keystone Press | June 2026
A look at the major policy issues shaping Pennsylvania's elections, from wages and marijuana legalization to civil rights, and why the outcome of state legislative races has real consequences for voters' everyday lives.
The Washington Times | June 2026
Caroline Welles discusses the political pressure facing colleges and universities over LGBTQ+ inclusion and how changing federal policies are affecting campus communities.
AFP | April 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with AFP about the implications of a major voting rights court ruling, the future of minority representation, and how changes to electoral maps could affect congressional elections.
The Mirror | Feb 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with The Mirror about Donald Trump's political messaging, his inability to connect with everyday Americans, and the potential implications for undecided voters ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Strait Times | April 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with The Straits Times about Democratic momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms, encouraging special election results, and what shifting voter enthusiasm could mean for November.
The Associated Press | April 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with the Associated Press about the growing number of Latino leaders seeking local office, the importance of community trust, and why representation at the state and local levels matters.
Newsweek | March 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with Newsweek about the online debate surrounding Olivia Rodrigo, the growing fascination with “tradwife” culture, and how young women in the public eye face scrutiny over gender roles and expectations.
Newsweek | February 2026
Caroline Welles speaks with Newsweek about how voter identification requirements could create additional obstacles for married women who have changed their last names, raising questions about ballot access ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Philadelphia Inquirer | October 2024
In this Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed, Caroline Welles highlights the women running for Pennsylvania's state legislature in 2024 and makes the case for building women's political representation beyond the top of the ballot.