Vukmir’s Filing For US Senate Becomes Record-Setting For Women

Republican Leah Vukmir’s filing to run for U.S. Senate is record-setting for women.

Vukmir on Wednesday became the 41st woman in the two major parties nationwide to officially file to run for the U.S. Senate, the most ever. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin submitted her nomination papers hours later. It’s a procedural step required for them to appear on the ballot.

The two are among the largest field of women ever to run for the Senate. Their filings bring to 42 the number of women nationwide in the two major parties qualified to run for 19 seats in the Senate.

In 2016, 40 women ran for the Senate.

Vukmir said she’s excited about what she calls a “historic number” of women running. Vukmir faces Kevin Nicholson, a political newcomer who submitted his nomination papers last week, in the primary. If she were to win, it would set up a race against Baldwin.

Vukmir said having two women running for the Senate would make it harder for Democrats to “play the victim card.”

Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 4:24 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2018 with information on Baldwin submitting her nomination papers.