Democratic Representatives Abigail Spanberger and Jennifer Wexton entered Congress six years ago, riding the crest of a record surge of women aiming for House seats, motivated primarily by their opposition to Donald Trump. Spanberger recalls the urgency they felt upon arriving in Washington, likening their entry to a fire drill, as they aimed to reclaim power amid a political landscape that many viewed as chaotic and toxic. However, as both representatives take stock of their time in Congress, they recognize a significant shift in the political climate, particularly with Trump’s potential return for a second term. Out of the 35 Democratic women who were elected in 2018, Spanberger and Wexton are among the 14 who have departed or will soon leave, signifying a waning of female representation in Congress and raising questions about future female candidacies.
Virginia is viewed as a bellwether for women’s representation in politics, a notion reinforced by the successful election of female candidates in the state, including Spanberger and Wexton. Despite 21 of the women from their freshman cohort seeking reelection, resulting in 20 wins, the overall trajectory of women’s representation can be unpredictable. Kelly Dittmar from the Center for American Women and Politics indicates that while recent elections saw improvements in female representation, the departure of experienced leaders like Spanberger and Wexton might hinder future progress. The current political atmosphere, featuring toxicity and burnout linked to Donald Trump’s leadership, could impact women’s decisions to enter the political arena going forward.
The paths taken by Spanberger and Wexton diverge significantly in their concluding terms. Wexton, who served effectively in her role and played a critical part in addressing significant issues like opioid addiction and childhood cancer, was diagnosed with a severe neurological disorder, leading her to the difficult decision to retire. On the other hand, Spanberger is transitioning her career to a gubernatorial run, aiming to implement change at the state level. Their exits from Congress will reduce Virginia’s female representation in the House, which has been seen as a concerning trend in a political landscape that still struggles with gender equity in elected offices.
Despite the challenges they have faced, the bond between Spanberger and Wexton showcases the power of friendship in politics. They formed a close camaraderie during their time in Congress, buoyed by shared experiences and mutual support. Together with former Representative Elaine Luria, they became a standout trio of women legislators, uniting on common goals and maintaining a continuous friendship marked by support, cooperation, and perseverance through the pressures of American politics. Their relationship symbolizes resilience and solidarity among women in a historically male-dominated field.
Their commitment to public service is evidenced by their focused legislative efforts, with Spanberger addressing infrastructural needs such as broadband access in rural areas, and Wexton championing health care initiatives following her own diagnosis. Their bipartisan approaches allowed them to cater effectively to their constituents, gaining respect and recognition from their peers. Both women have made indelible marks on their districts, arguing for policies that resonate with their communities while fostering essential discussions surrounding issues affecting women and families.
As their congressional journey concludes, Spanberger and Wexton express mixed emotions about the future of women’s representation in Congress. Spanberger’s optimism about their successors is tempered by nostalgia for their time as a unified female force. Wexton’s hope for participation from women in politics is a testament to their shared belief in the importance of diverse voices in governance. Their reflections encapsulate a commitment to advancing democracy, even amidst uncertainties brought about by political changes, illustrating that while they may be leaving for now, they will continue fighting for the ideals they champion and encourage future generations of women to take up the mantle of leadership in American politics.
