Motherhood and public service might seem like two paths that pull in different directions, but women across the country are showing every day that the two can go hand in hand. Running for office, leading in government, and raising a family aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, motherhood equips women with valuable skills for public leadership, such as balancing priorities, managing tough schedules, efficient problem solving, and leading with empathy. 

Yet moms often face unique questions and barriers when running for public office. While fathers in politics are rarely asked how they’ll “juggle it all,” moms are frequently questioned about their ability to balance family and career. Questions like: “How will she take care of the kids?” and “Will she have time to do the job?” The answer is simple: yes, she can do both. And trailblazing women have been proving it for decades. 

In 1973, Congresswoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke made history as the first woman in Congress to give birth while in office. Despite being faced with skepticism, she demonstrated that motherhood and leadership can coexist. In 2018, Senator Tammy Duckworth became the first U.S. Senator to give birth while serving. She successfully advocated for a rule change that allowed her to bring her newborn daughter onto the Senate floor to vote, showing how it is possible to support mothers in leadership roles. 

If you’re a mom wondering whether you can run for office while raising kids, the answer is yes. You don’t have to choose between motherhood and leadership. You can be a devoted parent while also being a public servant. When you step into leadership, you are not only making an impact in your community, but you show your children and the next generation that moms belong at decision-making tables.

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the moms who lead, support the moms who are considering running for public office, and remember that motherhood is not a roadblock, it’s an asset that shapes extraordinary leaders.

Ready to take that first step and lead? Check out our national network of state partners on our website and enroll for free in our online training resources for candidates.