The Status of Women in Utah Politics

The Center for American Progress recently released a report titled, “The State of Women in America: A 50-State Analysis of How Women Are Faring Across the Nation.” This September 2013 document ranked Utah last in terms of women being in positions of decision making and leadership. The focus was on both the percentage of women in elected office (state and national levels) and also women holding private sector management positions, but it did not provide the depth needed to fully understand the issue. To provide leaders and residents with more detailed research, four 2014 briefs will be released that compare Utah with national data on the status of women and leadership in politics, education, nonprofit, and business. This first brief will focus on the status of women in Utah politics and will provide data for the following five areas: Congress, Statewide Executive Offices, State Legislatures, Mayors, and Voter Participation. It will conclude with a discussion focused on understanding why more women do not run for public office and offer suggestions on how Utah can move the needle in future years.