New Mexico Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated during a Democratic National Committee meeting that the party does not need male votes, emphasizing the importance of women voters. She remarked, “If women, Democratic women, just show up and vote, we’re good. We don’t need any of the men.”
This statement reflects a trend where Democrats are increasingly reliant on women voters, who have significantly contributed to the party's recent electoral successes. For instance, Democratic governors Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey received substantial support from women voters, with Spanberger garnering 65% of women’s votes compared to 48% from men, and Sherrill receiving 62% from women and 49% from men.
The Public Policy Institute of California indicates that women are more likely than men to identify with the Democratic Party and participate in elections, with approximately 91.3 million women voting in the 2024 election versus 82.6 million men. Experts attribute the growing gender gap to differing priorities between genders, with women focusing on healthcare and education, while men often prioritize economic growth and national security.
The gender gap has widened since the 1980 presidential election, growing from a modest difference to approximately 12-15 points in many races by 2020. The DNC's recent election autopsy acknowledged challenges with male voters and suggested strategies for better engagement, including deploying male messengers and addressing economic concerns. Grisham's comments highlight the ongoing efforts by Democrats to attract male voters as women solidify their role as a key voting bloc.
