More Democrats ran in open primaries, while Republicans challenged incumbents
In 2022, a record number of Democratic women ran in primaries for open House seats — ones that weren’t defended by incumbent lawmakers. A record number of Republican women ran as challengers to incumbents in primaries. The number of female incumbents has risen for both parties as more women have held office and defended their seats.
Women running in primaries for the US House of Representatives
As primary challengers
200
Republicans
150
Democrats
100
50
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
In open races
200
150
Democrats
100
Republicans
50
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
As incumbents
200
150
100
Democrats
50
Republicans
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
Sources: Edison Research, CNN election projections, CNN analysis of data from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University
Graphic: Renée Rigdon and Janie Boschma, CNN
More Democrats ran in open primaries, while Republicans challenged incumbents
In 2022, a record number of Democratic women ran in primaries for open House seats — ones that weren’t defended by incumbent lawmakers. A record number of Republican women ran as challengers to incumbents in primaries. The number of female incumbents has risen for both parties as more women have held office and defended their seats.
Women running in primaries for the US House of Representatives
As primary challengers
200
Republicans
150
Democrats
100
50
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
In open races
200
150
Democrats
100
Republicans
50
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
As incumbents
200
150
100
Democrats
50
Republicans
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
Sources: Edison Research, CNN election projections, CNN analysis of data from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University
Graphic: Renée Rigdon and Janie Boschma, CNN
More Democrats ran in open primaries, while Republicans challenged incumbents
In 2022, a record number of Democratic women ran in primaries for open House seats — ones that weren’t defended by incumbent lawmakers. A record number of Republican women ran as challengers to incumbents in primaries. The number of female incumbents has risen for both parties as more women have held office and defended their seats.
Women running in primaries for the US House of Representatives
As primary challengers
In open races
As incumbents
200
Republicans
150
Democrats
100
50
0
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
Sources: Edison Research, CNN election projections, CNN analysis of data from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University
Graphic: Renée Rigdon and Janie Boschma, CNN
