Why Are There So Few Mothers In Politics?

America loves to talk about family values. But when it comes to who gets to make policy for families, mothers are still dramatically underrepresented in elected office. It’s not because moms lack the experience, leadership skills or desire to serve. It’s because the political system was never designed with caregivers in mind. From the staggering cost of child care to fundraising expectations, campaign security concerns and outdated rules that make running for office even harder for parents, the barriers are often invisible to voters, but impossible for candidates to ignore. This week on Facts Over Fear, my special co-host Jess Britvich joins me as we sit down with guest Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder and CEO of Vote Mama, whose own congressional campaign exposed just how difficult it is for mothers to seek elected office. Rather than accept the status quo, she turned her experience into a national movement that’s changing campaign finance laws, supporting women candidates and pushing for a political system that better reflects the people it serves. We also discuss: Why allowing campaign funds to pay for child care was a watershed moment for women candidates. The alarming rise in threats against women running for office—and why security has become a campaign necessity. What Vote Mama’s latest research reveals about the unique challenges mothers face on the campaign trail. Why electing more mothers doesn’t just change who wins elections—it changes which policies get debated, prioritized and passed. What the 2026 midterms could mean for women, families and the future of representation in America. If you’ve ever wondered why Congress doesn’t look more like the families it represents, or if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I should run, but politics isn’t built for someone like me,” this conversation is for you. Because representative democracy doesn’t just depend on who votes. It depends on who has the opportunity to run. FOLLOW NATALIE substack: https://substack.com/@factsoverfearna... instagram:   / @nataliebencivenga   tiktok:   / nataliebencivenga   threads: https://www.threads.com/@nataliebenci... podcast via spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47JYsn9... podcast via apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... FACTS OVER FEAR Let's dismantle the fear that is used to divide us surrounding the issues impacting the people and talk facts. ABOUT NATALIE Natalie Bencivenga is a socially-conscious journalist working towards building equity in our communities through storytelling. Her goal is to inspire, educate and activate people to become catalysts for positive change. Join her for transformative conversations that uplift and challenge the ways in which we perceive the world. Let's turn this moment into a movement – together.