The First Ask Announces First Round of Endorsed Candidates for the 2026 Election Cycle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2026
Contact: Eleanor Walter
The First Ask Announces First Round of Endorsed Candidates for the 2026 Election Cycle
Washington, DC – Today, The First Ask is excited to announce our first slate of Endorsed Candidates for the 2026 election cycle. Our first slate of endorsements for 2026 is a group of inspiring candidates composed of eighteen women from six key states, ranging from backgrounds in business to rural healthcare to education and beyond. The First Ask is confident that, once elected, all of these candidates will bring their unparalleled experience to state legislatures across the country to amplify their constituents’ voices and ensure they are fiercely represented.
This historic group of endorsed candidates reflects The First Ask’s commitment to electing Democratic women who can win tough races, expand representation, and directly challenge the politics of exclusion and extremism that have intensified under Republican leadership.
Caroline Welles, Executive Director of The First Ask, issued the following statement on the slate of endorsements:
“The First Ask is so proud to endorse all eighteen of these phenomenal women. All of them are running very different races in very different districts, but what unites them is hope. All of these women dream of a better future and are actively fighting for it. Some are running against Republican incumbents and some are running against Democrats who are not showing up for their communities. They all know that we can do better, that we deserve better.”
The First Ask is a 527 political action committee dedicated to identifying and supporting Democratic women to run for State Chambers nationwide. The organization advocates for proportionate gender representation in state legislatures by increasing the share of women serving in legislatures from 32% to 51%.
