Five years ago, I wrote a phrase in my journal that stuck with me: On motherhood and politics.

I returned to it many times over the past few years, but could never quite get clarity on what it meant – until I made the decision not to run for political office. Trying to articulate why is what brought the phrase into focus for me. Motherhood is the reason I am not running for office. 

For years, I anchored myself to a deeply held belief that politics would someday be part of my path. I love elections. I love political strategy, the dance between public sentiment, media and policy. I study power dynamics the way some people study sports.

I also believe that I am here to help people, to lead by example, to give voice to those who can’t advocate for themselves. I have always known that running for office was something I would eventually consider. 

When I wrote those words, motherhood had become the center of my life, shaping my perception of the world and the role I play in it. I was raising my boys, working and trying to give back to my community. I had just finished writing a book about my experience with miscarriage and was preparing to speak at TEDxPortland.

These two identities felt inseparable and intertwined. I believed there had to be a place where they could intersect.

But the truth is harder. Motherhood and politics are not easily compatible in America. And if forced to choose, I will choose motherhood every time.

Women shouldn't have........

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