National Women's Political Caucus of California

Mission

The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) is a progressive, pro-choice,
multi-partisan, grassroots membership organization dedicated
to identifying, recruiting, training and supporting women candidates for
elected and appointed office.

NWPC History

NWPC was founded in the midst of the modern American women’s movement when 320 women from 26 states met under the leadership of feminists such as Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem, and Betty Friedan to form the caucus on July 11, 1971. The first statement of purpose pledged to fight sexism, racism, institutional violence, and poverty. They chose to advocate for change by reforming major political parties, the election of women to public office, advocacy of women’s issues, and the support of feminist candidates, regardless of party.

In the first three years of its existence, female state officeholders increased by 36 percent as a result of NWPC recruitment and leadership programs. By 1976, they formed a political action committee and began contributing financially to selected races. We now proudly state that we are a multi-partisan organization that respects a woman’s right to make private medical decisions without governmental interference.

NWPC CA Achievements

All our current female elected officials from California and in the California State Legislature and Executive branch are NWPC endorsed and members or supporters of NWPC. This includes such strong leaders as former Madam Vice President and former United States Senator Kamala D. Harris, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Controller Malia Cohen, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, California Senate Speaker Pro Tem Toni Atkins, United States Congressmembers Karen Bass, Barbara Lee, Anna Eshoo, Laura Friendman, Luz Rivas, Judy Chu, and many state legislators such as Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Buffy Wicks, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, SharonQuirk-Silva, Cottie Petrie-Norris, and many more up and down the ballot. With the political and financial support of NWPC, it has been proven time and time again that when women run, women win!

The mission of the National Women's Political Caucus of California is to increase women's participation in the political process and to identify, recruit, train and support feminist women for election and appointment to public office. While in pursuit of this goal, NWPC-CA will strive to win equality for all women; to ensure reproductive freedom; to achieve quality dependent care; and to eradicate sexism, racism, anti-Semitism, ageism, ableism, violence, poverty, and discrimination on the basis of religion or sexual orientation.

There are local caucuses throughout the state of California. Check out our website to find the caucus closest to you!