New research examines the impact of gender balance legislation (GBL) on women's political representation in state government.

The Question: Could laws encouraging female participation increase women's likelihood to run for office?

This study is the first to analyze GBL effects, but results show minimal statistical evidence that these legislative efforts boost female candidates or legislators at the state level. Methodological challenges persist despite multiple approaches and outcome variables being considered.

What This Means: The findings suggest political reformers should focus on other strategies if they aim to increase women's representation through more female candidates.