United States of America

Nevada and Arizona could make history this fall, with both states positioned to elect the first female-majority legislative chambers in the nation's history.

Progress is not inevitable. And it is rarely -- if ever -- complete. For women in American politics, each point of progress serves as a reminder of the progress we have yet to make toward equitable power and presence in government.

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth gave birth to a baby girl Monday, her office announced, the first US senator to do so while in office.

"Bryan, Abigail and I couldn't be happier to welcome little Maile Pearl as the newest addition to our family and we're deeply honored that our good friend Senator (Daniel) Akaka was able to bless her name for us -- his help in naming both of our daughters means he will always be with us," Duckworth said in her office's statement.

 Women are increasingly spotlighting gender as they run in record-breaking numbers in 2018. From breastfeeding on camera to sharing intimate stories of sexual abuse, women running for office are turning campaign norms — and long-held gender stereotypes — on their head with a flurry of new ads that highlight once taboo topics.

(CNN) The 2018 midterm elections are already historic when it comes to the number of women candidates running. A record 309 women have filed to run for seats in the US House, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. There are 29 women running for US Senate and 40 women running for governors races so far.

Senate leadership to receive letter following recess

Over 600 former staffers have signed a letter urging Senate leadership to consider legislation that would address sexual harassment on Capitol Hill. That number continued to grow Friday morning.

The Senate's 22 female members joined together Wednesday in a bipartisan push for their leaders to overhaul its workplace misconduct rules, airing "deep disappointment" that the chamber hasn't already moved.

Nearly a year after her hopes for the first female president were dashed, Beth Vercolio-Osmund contemplated her own political debut.