Amanda Iovino (WPA Intelligence) and Larissa Martinez (Keeper Strategies and Women’s Public Leadership Network) explored how gender shapes voter perceptions, campaign strategies, and election outcomes in AAPC’s latest podcast episode—offering practical takeaways for consultants working to recruit, support, and elect women candidates.

🎯 The Gender Factor
From likeability expectations to perceived policy strengths, female candidates often enter the race with a different rulebook—especially in GOP primaries where national security dominates. “Republican primary voters are often very security focused… that leads them to lean a little bit more towards trusting the male candidate on that issue,” Iovino noted.

🚀 Women Are Ready—If Asked
Many women hesitate to jump into a race until they’ve asked every question and feel fully prepared. That’s not hesitation—it’s diligence. “Women candidates will ask all of the questions and then jump in. The male candidates jump in and then ask all the questions,” said Iovino.

📈 Build the Pipeline Now
Want to win? Invest early in identifying and prepping women candidates—especially outside the usual recruitment pools. “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could say, ‘I have 20 amazing people that could run’?… A pipeline allows for more,” said Martinez.

🔍 Where to Find Them
From PTAs to cattlemen’s associations to real estate boards, professional associations are fertile ground. “They’ve already shown that they want to be involved… the political arena is just another avenue for them to make community impact,” Martinez explained. Invest early, look beyond the usual suspects, and don’t wait for women to self-nominate—go recruit them. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here to hear Amanda and Larissa’s insights in their own words.