Female voters in swing states prioritize a variety of issues above abortion

Women hold significant influence as a voter block in America.

Statistics show that women have consistently had higher voter turnout in presidential elections since 1980.

While the gender gap in the 2020 presidential election was narrower compared to 2016, it was widely recognized that women played a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the election. 

It is likely that the same will hold true for the upcoming 2024 election.

However, current narratives about women’s priorities in this election season are misleading. 

Having traveled extensively across battleground states on a bus tour since July, my team and I have engaged with women from various political backgrounds. 

If the pundits were accurate, I would have encountered women expressing concerns about recent Supreme Court decisions and abortion access consistently throughout the summer.

There would have been overwhelming support for Vice President Kamala Harris due to her pro-abortion stance, potentially leading to a victory over former President Donald Trump.

However, that was not the prevailing sentiment I encountered.  

Contrary to popular belief, there is no widespread enthusiasm for Harris solely based on her gender or position on abortion rights.

This is not a unifying factor for women. 

Furthermore, women have mixed feelings about their current circumstances.

A recent poll of likely Pennsylvania voters by Suffolk University reflects the concerns I heard.

The poll shows that 47% of women feel they are better off than four years ago, while 50% feel they are worse off or have not seen any improvement.

As for independent female voters, the race is still undecided. 

From my interactions with women on the bus tour, a common sentiment emerged – they feel undervalued by the government and those in power, not acknowledging their pivotal role as Chief Operating Officers of their households.

Although women have fought for equality in various spheres, the current governmental landscape is seen as a “new patriarchy.” 

What this means is that public schools are withholding crucial information from parents, including mothers, regarding their children’s choice of pronouns or gender identities.

Recent data reveals that over 1,000 public school districts in several states have policies restricting access to gender-related information for parents.

This raises concerns about women’s rights being compromised, particularly regarding their roles in raising and being actively involved in their children’s lives. 

Additionally, women are deeply troubled by inflation and the challenging economic environment.

Every bus stop ended with women expressing worries about providing for their families and ensuring food security.

Women are perhaps the most impacted by the current economic uncertainties under the Biden-Harris administration. 

Despite economic growth in some states like Nevada, concerns about unemployment persist, highlighting the importance of household income and childcare for women voters. 

Beyond economic concerns, women voiced anxieties about safety, crime, and the well-being of their communities, including the threat of illegal drugs like fentanyl. 

Amidst these challenging times, women, like all Americans, look to elected officials to enact policies that promote national progress and enhance their quality of life.

Concerned Women for America advocates for Biblical values and Constitutional principles, urging members to support candidates who align with these values. 

With early voting underway in many states and election night approaching, candidates have a limited window to engage with women voters and address their true priorities, avoiding false narratives that do not resonate with them. 

Penny Nance serves as the president and CEO of Concerned Women for America.