In a political landscape largely dominated by men, Erin Vilardi stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. As the founder and CEO of Vote Run Lead and Vote Run Lead Action, she has dedicated her career to improving women's representation in state legislatures and nurturing the next generation of female political leaders.
Empowering Women
In an in-depth conversation on the “Lean to the Left” podcast, Erin shares insights into her work, the challenges women face in politics, and the steps needed to ensure a more inclusive democracy.
Women & Trump: A Disconnect?
A recent ABC News Ipsos poll revealed that Donald Trump trails Kamala Harris by 13 points among women, despite his enthusiastic claims about his popularity among women. Vilardi stresses the complexities of these dynamics, explaining how Trump's comments, often marred by a lack of awareness and sensitivity, fail to resonate with a diverse coalition of women working towards a more inclusive future.
Discussing the presence of women at Trump rallies, something many struggle to understand, Vilardi offers a nuanced perspective, explaining that notions of security and safety can differ significantly across generations and backgrounds. She addresses the invisible elements of white supremacy that many may not consciously recognize, emphasizing the deep-rooted biases that still exist within certain segments of the population.
The Democratic National Convention and Kamala Harris’s Candidacy
Vilardi reflects on her experience at the Democratic National Convention and the widespread enthusiasm she witnessed for female leaders like Kamala Harris. Unlike the 2016 election's tense atmosphere surrounding Hillary Clinton, Erin notes an unbridled enthusiasm for Harris, suggesting a shift towards greater acceptance and excitement for women in politics.
She also highlights her support for Tim Walz as Harris's running mate, underscoring his track record of working alongside women in Minnesota.
Vote Run Lead and Vote Run Lead Action: Training Women Leaders
Vilardi dives into the origins and mission of Vote Run Lead, an organization she founded that has been empowering women and training them to run for political office for nearly a decade. She proudly shares the organization's accomplishments, from nationwide training programs to the impressive win rates of their alumni.
She explains that the Vote Run Lead Action branch allows for a deeper focus on helping candidates from diverse backgrounds achieve their political goals and aims to reach 51% women’s representation in statehouses across the nation.
Why Statehouses Rather than Congress?
Vilardi explains that state legislatures serve as critical power centers where real change can happen, especially with the current hyper-partisanship in Congress.
By targeting the 7,000 seats in statehouses, Vote Run Lead aims to create “laboratories of democracy” across the states, accelerating the number of women in key legislative positions.
Vilardi details the tailored support Vote Run Lead Action provides to women candidates, especially from underrepresented communities. From specific state legislative training to dedicated coaching programs, these efforts ensure women have the resources and confidence they need to succeed.
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming barriers, such as fundraising challenges and societal biases, which can hinder women’s political ambitions.
Voter Suppression and Intimidation
Voter suppression remains a pressing issue, particularly in marginalized communities. While Vote Run Lead focuses primarily on candidate safety, Erin underscores the importance of knowing one’s legal rights and de-escalating potentially threatening situations.
She stresses the need to hold those spreading misinformation and fear about elections accountable.
What About Helping Female Candidates in Red States?
Vilardi acknowledges the complexities and need for long-term investment to achieve meaningful change. Despite the uphill battle, she remains committed to working in partnership with local organizations to support women candidates in these states.
Erin Vilardi’s passion and dedication to empowering women in politics are palpable. Through Vote Run Lead and Vote Run Lead Action, she is not only training women to run for office, but also changing the narrative around who can be a leader.
As Erin puts it, “Run as you are,” embracing every woman’s unique story and potential to lead. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Erin invites them to explore the resources at vrlhq.org and to support female candidates in their local communities.
Watch the podcast: https://youtu.be/MBduL5_gGz8
Listen to the podcast: https://feeds.podetize.com/ep/RLVdpOL-9/media
Read the transcript: