Intense and intentional training is helping Democratic women gain state lawmaking seats
Associated Press
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Melissa Watson Ward, training director for Emerge America, center, speaks to present and future candidates for public office taking part in the Emerge America Southern Regional Boot Camp, a camp designed for Democratic women to improve their political campaigns, in New Orleans, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)Kaitlyn Joshua talks about public speaking at the Emerge America Southern Regional Boot Camp, a camp designed for Democratic women to improve their political campaigns, in New Orleans, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)Deanna Jue Sutandi, left, who is running for the Decatur, Ga. city commission in the 2nd District, smiles while rehearsing a speech with Megan Wingfield, who is running for the U.S. House for 2nd District of Kentucky during the Emerge America Southern Regional Boot Camp, a camp designed for Democratic women to improve their political campaigns, in New Orleans, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)Cedrita Demus, second right, who is considering running for Tallahassee, Fla. city commissioner district, applauds during the Emerge America Southern Regional Boot Camp, a camp designed for Democratic women to improve their political campaigns, in New Orleans, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
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Melissa Watson Ward, training director for Emerge America, center, speaks to present and future candidates for public office taking part in the Emerge America Southern Regional Boot Camp, a camp designed for Democratic women to improve their political campaigns, in New Orleans, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)