Lillian's List of NC

“The representation for women is woefully low,” said Laura Edwards with Lillian's List.

This year, Lillian's List has 27 Democratic, pro-choice candidates it's endorsing for every elected office from the state house to the Council of State. Political observers said that is still lower than many would hope it would be.

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Democratic legislators were clearly targeted, as you’d expect in a partisan district plan, but Republican legislative leaders seemed especially eager to target Democratic women in the General Assembly for defeat...Six women Democratic legislators have so far publicly announced they are not seeking reelection and others may announce soon. Republican leaders don’t seem to want strong Democratic women in the General Assembly.

Cotham's experience of bringing her child with her to the legislature - something male lawmakers don't do - and the attendant multi-tasking it requires underscore the challenges that women can face. That's probably why many females only turn to political office after they've retired and their children are adults.

Cotham said Perdue has been actively trying to change that by encouraging women to seek political office and mentoring those already serving. "I'm grateful to the governor for blazing the trail, and setting a positive example," Cotham said.

Durham lawyer Kerry Sutton announced today she has received a boost to her plans to run for state Senate: an endorsement from Lillian’s List of N.C.