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WOMEN IN THE NEW SOUTH
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support the election of pro-choice Democratic women to state and local offices in South Carolina.
How many women represent South Carolina in our state legislature?
Less than 16 percent of the members!
6 of 46
SC State Senators
21 of 124
SC State Representatives
WHY IS ELECTING WOMEN TO PUBLIC OFFICE IMPORTANT?
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South Carolina Is Failing Women
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South Carolina currently ranks 47th out of 50 states for women in elected office, and this disparity is evident. The South Carolina State Legislature's agenda is jeopardizing the rights and needs of women, children, and people of color. In the most recent legislative session, a 6-week abortion ban was enacted, significantly limiting access to essential women's healthcare in the state. As a result, South Carolinian women are now facing forced pregnancies or are compelled to travel out of state to receive the care they require. Now, more than ever, South Carolina requires smart progressive women in elected office.
WHO DO WE SUPPORT?
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Pro-Choice Democratic Women—The Leaders We Need
WINS supports women candidates who advocate for a progressive agenda, including access to reproductive health services such as abortion, the inclusion and protection of marginalized and disenfranchised populations in South Carolina, the elimination of workforce discrimination including sexual harassment, and the addressing of violence against women. Considering the Dobbs decision and the repeated attempts to ban abortion, culminating in the enactment of a 6-week abortion ban in South Carolina, WINS' mission to elect pro-choice women has become even more crucial.
WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
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Transformation of a New South
Research indicates that female lawmakers sponsor more bills, excel at reaching compromises with the opposing party, and secure more funding for their districts than their male counterparts. Women's legislative priorities often focus on family-building issues and providing a social safety net that sustains communities. Women in the New South are ready for this transformational change.
Notably, every woman in the South Carolina Senate (see photo) fought against the abortion ban and were honored with the JFK Profile in Courage Award in 2023 for their efforts. Although they did not ultimately succeed, South Carolina remains the only state where a bipartisan group of women legislators has actively fought to maintain access to women’s reproductive health services. Due to their efforts to oppose the abortion ban in the 2023 legislative session, the Republican women Senators were targeted by their own political party in the 2024 Primary Election, and all 3 were defeated.
As of Fall 2024, there are only TWO women in the SC Senate.
HOW DO WE ELECT MORE WOMEN?
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The Short Answer—Money
Access to political donations is the largest barrier for all women seeking office. Further, campaign funding disproportionately impacts certain demographic groups of women, most often in primary elections.
WINS plans to address the intersectional racial and gender fundraising gaps that persist for women by:
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Endorsing and financially supporting candidates who identify as
pro-choice Democratic women running for office in South Carolina
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Cultivating a culture of empowerment and collaboration among politically active Democratic women in South Carolina by connecting with like-minded groups to build relationships
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Being a fierce advocate for women in the political arena by communicating the needs and experiences of these women through social media messaging
WHY DONATE TO WINS?
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When Women Win—Everyone Wins
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WINS was founded as a political action committee solely focused on raising funds to support women running for state office in South Carolina. WINS is the only organization in South Carolina with this mission. The WINS leadership is comprised of women with years of experience in the political, nonprofit, and business sectors committed to ensuring that pro-choice Democratic women have the resources they need to win.​​