We help progressive, pro-choice Montana women run for office — and win.

Carol’s List helps progressive, pro-choice Democratic women run for office in Montana and win — to increase women’s political power in the state. 

We are an organization of firsts.

Carol Williams, was the Montana state Senate's first woman Minority Leader and Majority Leader. Founding members Christine Kaufmann and Diane Sands were the first openly lesbian state Senator and state Representative, respectively. Former board member Denise Juneau is the first Native American woman ever elected to a statewide office in the United States.  Founding co-chair Carol Juneau carried the bill making Montana the first state to implement Indian Education for All. 

Our volunteer Board of Directors consists of committed advocates who support pro-choice women to run for office.

Our story

Carol’s List was formed more than 15 years ago by a group of women legislators who saw the need for an organization solely dedicated to electing more Democratic women in Montana.

Back then, women often weren't asked to run for office, and when they did, they weren't supported. Fewer than one in four legislators were women. And the numbers weren't rising. 

The founders of Carol’s List realized that women would never be fully represented without deliberate, strategic, long-term candidate recruitment and support. Carol’s List is providing resources and support to help women win. 

Today, we are proud that 23 Democratic women hold legislative seats in the Montana Legislature now representing 34% — the highest in the state’s history. And women legislators are the majority of the democratic caucus in the state legislature. 

Modeled after EMILY’s List, we are a lean, all-volunteer organization. We target our resources across races where we can make a difference.

With your help, we can continue to change Montana's political landscape for the better.