As President Trump prepares for his State of the Union address, many Democratic congresswomen plan to wear white as a political statement. This tradition began back in 2017, when they chose white to honor women’s rights, drawing inspiration from the suffragists who fought for voting rights.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández from New Mexico, who leads the Democratic Women’s Caucus, highlighted this year’s choice of white. She explained, “There are specific attacks on women’s ability to vote.” The color symbolizes both their historical struggle and their ongoing fight for equality.
In previous years, members of the caucus have varied their clothing colors. In 2018, some wore black to support the #MeToo movement, and last year they chose pink to protest President Trump’s policies. No matter the color, their attire sends a clear message of solidarity.
This year’s focus on white is particularly meaningful. The recent GOP-led legislation, known as the SAVE America Act, has stirred controversy. It requires voters to provide proof of citizenship to register and to show photo ID when voting. Critics argue this could disenfranchise millions, especially women changing their last names after marriage. While the measure has passed in the House, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate.
Leger Fernández connected the color white to the suffragists’ struggles, saying, “They marched, protested, and made sacrifices for the right to vote.” Even in 2026, challenges remain as some seek to limit women’s voting rights. Historical context shows that women have consistently outvoted men since 1984, with data from the Census Bureau revealing that nearly 67% of women voted in the 2024 election, compared to about 64% of men.
With the upcoming address, the Democratic Women’s Caucus aims to remind everyone of the ongoing fight for voter rights. Their choice of fashion serves not just as a statement of protest, but also as a call to action and a tribute to those who came before them.
For context and more information about voting rights and women’s political participation, you can explore studies from the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau.
