Women’s issues continue to be highlighted as national battles heading into the 2025 elections. From reproductive rights to pay equity, these policies are not just about women — they help determine families, communities, and the country’s future.
Whether you’re a voter new to politics or an old pro looking to get involved, knowing where candidates stand on these key issues helps all of us to make informed decisions in the voting booth.
Let’s take a look at what matters most this election season and see how those seeking office match up with your priorities.
How to Use This Guide
This guide is designed to be an easy-to-use, nonpartisan resource to help you compare candidates and their policies. We’ve broken down key issues and gathered candidates’ stances on topics that matter to women, like reproductive rights, economic equity, and gender-based violence. Additionally, we’ve included practical voting details, like early voting dates and ID requirements, to ensure you have everything you need to cast your ballot with confidence.
Keep in mind that this guide presents candidates in alphabetical order to maintain neutrality. Where possible, we’ve included direct quotes or past policy actions to ensure clarity and transparency. Now, let’s get into the core issues.
Where Candidates Stand on Key Issues
1. Reproductive Rights
Reproductive health care is perhaps the largest battleground in today’s political atmosphere. Some candidates want to expand access to abortion and contraception, while others push for more tightly regulated access.
Candidate A, for example, is committed to fighting for the values contained in the Women’s Health Protection Act that would enshrine federal protection of abortion access in states where it has been banned. In contrast, Candidate B has spoken in favor of banning abortions after six weeks — even when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest — following new legislation recently passed in multiple states.
Maternal health is another main line of focus outside abortion access. Candidate C aims to expand Medicaid coverage for prenatal and postpartum care, given the alarming maternal mortality rate among Black and Indigenous communities. They’ve often said: “We need a healthcare system that treats mothers and babies equally. Compare that to other candidates who still haven’t laid out specific plans to close those disparities.
2. Economic Equity
Economic fairness is another significant concern for women voters. Despite years of progress, women still earn just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and this gap is even wider for women of color. Many candidates have proposed solutions like increased pay transparency, raising the minimum wage, and instituting paid family leave policies.
Candidate D, for instance, champions a national parental leave program that would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave—not only for new parents but also for caregivers of sick family members. They’ve pointed out how the lack of such policies leaves too many families in financial jeopardy, stating, “No one should have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of a loved one.” Other candidates argue for a more state-focused approach to these issues, suggesting that federal intervention may not be feasible given budgetary constraints.
3. Gender-Based Violence
For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, access to justice and resources varies widely depending on policy. Many candidates have pledged support for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a cornerstone law that funds shelters, legal assistance, and educational campaigns. Candidate E has gone a step further, proposing additional funding for transitional housing programs that help survivors rebuild their lives after escaping abusive situations.
Meanwhile, grassroots advocates have raised concerns about candidates with histories of opposing vigorous enforcement of gender violence laws. It’s important to examine not only campaign promises but also past actions—what laws have they sponsored, and where have they stood during prior votes?
4. Healthcare Access
Beyond reproductive healthcare, the broader issue of health equity remains a critical focus. Candidates vary widely in their support for expanding Medicaid or bolstering mental health services. Candidate F has proposed increasing funding to healthcare providers who offer services tailored to women’s unique needs, such as menopause support and mental health programs for survivors of gender-based violence.
Conversely, other candidates emphasize market-based solutions, suggesting that lowering overall insurance costs would benefit everyone, including women. The debate here often boils down to whether a government-led or private-sector-driven approach is best for addressing these challenges.
5. Women in Politics
Representation matters. Despite making up over 50% of the population, women are underrepresented in Congress and state legislatures. Some candidates are actively pushing for initiatives to recruit and train more women candidates. Candidate G, for example, highlights their own journey as a working mother running for office as proof of what’s possible. They’ve advocated for campaign financing reforms that would reduce barriers for women and minority candidates.
Contrast this with candidates who have little to say about increasing representation or who defend the status quo, arguing that the issue will resolve itself over time without intervention. This difference of opinion underscores the need for voter awareness and advocacy at all levels.
Comparison Tools
If you’re trying to decide which candidate aligns most with your priorities, comparison tools can help. Many voter education resources offer side-by-side charts of candidate positions on key issues. For a deeper dive, consider online quizzes that match you to candidates based on your values—just make sure to use trusted, nonpartisan platforms.
Voting Rights Protection
Make sure you know your voting rights before hitting the polls. And many states have passed laws that could make it more difficult for women — particularly those living in low-income or rural areas — to vote. For example, stricter voter ID laws or restrictions on early voting days weigh more heavily on women who are balancing work and family responsibilities.
If it pertains to you, look up your state’s voting requirements well ahead of time, and don’t be shy about asking for help if you run into problems.
The stakes have never been higher for women’s issues in America. With that in mind, learning where candidates stand on issues — such as reproductive rights, economic equity and access to health care — is important for directing your vote where the policies most align with you and your community. Always keep in mind that your voice and your vote can make a difference. Let’s make them count this election season.
