I've been realizing more and more how many women are secretary of state vs. other statewide positions, so I decided to count it up.
There are 40 states in which Governor, SoS, AG, and Treasurer are all elected positions
States excluded:
Alaska, Hawaii, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, New Jersey
# of women:
Governor: 5
AG: 5
Treasurer: 7
SoS: 13
This is not out of the ordinary. In 2009, the number was as follows (2011 in parentheses)
Governor: 5 (5)
AG: 4 (5)
Treasurer: 8 (7)
SoS: 15 (13)
I've never seen it discussed but I believe that this discrepancy has to do with two stereotypes about women, one positive and one negative.
Stereotype 1: Women as the secretary
Traditionally, secretaries have been female (my grandma was one). Many people don't know what the SoS does, but they see the word secretary and subconsciously vote for women.
Stereotype 2: Women as better organized
The positive stereotype about women that follows is that they are better organized. A secretary of state must organize elections. Therefore, women should be in this job.
Example: New Mexico
Since 1986, the names of candidates in competitive secretary of state elections (primary or general) in New Mexico were as follows:
Men:
Ron Curry
Women:
Rebecca Vigil-Giron
Shirley Hooper
Jamie McDaniel
Phyllis Romero
Stephanie Gonzales
Gloria Baca-Griego
Dianna Duran
Frances Porterfield
Sharon Ciahchischilliage (what a name!)
Vickie Perea
10 women for every man! Since women are underrepresented in political office, this is actually quite incredible! Should we be happy that women are so likely to run for this office, or upset that it is still rare for a woman to win any other statewide office in the state? Should we be happy Secretary of State (while still overwhelmingly male) is a 1/3 female position, or worried that even today gender stereotypes manifest themselves into statewide elections?