Happy Friday! Welcome to our Media Round Up. Each week we’re collecting and sharing our favorite gender + politics stories. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

 

A record number of Black candidates for higher offices aim to reshape U.S. politics

Tim Craig, Washington Post

This fall, a record number of Black peopleare running for U.S. Senate and governor. If they win their respective races, this would mean an increase in diversity in the nation’s top elected offices, many of which are still overwhelmingly held by white men. Since Reconstruction, seven Black senators and two Black governors have been elected. This year, 16 Black candidates are major party nominees ranging from Florida and across the Deep South to the battleground Midwestern states. While facing tough odds, some of the candidates have posted strong poll numbers and fundraising totals, solidifying credible campaigns that challenge previous stereotypes about whether Black candidates can be competitive in statewide races.

Read the full story here.

 

First Alaska Native to be sworn in to Congress

Farnoush Amiri, PBS

On Tuesday, Representative Mary Peltola made history by becoming the first Alaska Native to be sworn into Congress. Rep. Peltola is also the first woman to represent the Alaska at-large district, succeeding former Rep. Don Young. Prior to her current position, Rep. Peltola was a state lawmaker for 10 years, where she represented the rural hub community of Bethel, Alaska.

When reflecting on her historical win, Rep. Peltola said the following, “To have a seat at the table is different … But I am just always reminding people that I’m not here to represent just the 16% of Alaskans who are Alaska Natives. I’m here to represent all Alaskans.”

Read the full story here.

 

1 in 4 women have a family member in prison, leaving them to carry the burden at home

Candice Norwood, The 19^th*

About 93% of incarcerated people are men, and half of them are fathers, leaving many women to manage families without their partners. According to research from Kristen Turney, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine, the various challenges of being a single mom due to high incarceration rates can lead to further economic hardship for women who are already likely to be low income. The hardships can also lead to increased stress and mental health challenges that can affect physical well-being. Wives and partners of incarcerated people are hoping that this new data will provide researchers, lawmakers, and advocacy with a more complete picture of their need for more resources.

Read the full story here.

 

Kamala Harris embarks on midterm campaign swing to boost turnout – and her own brand

Edward-Isaac Dovere, CNN

Earlier this month, Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on a midterm campaign to raise her profile and boost voter turnout for the midterm elections. Vice President Harris’s campaign will largely focus on abortion rights, zeroing in on Black, women, and younger voters, and outreach with unions.

Read the full story here.