Democrats are on track to make history by electing at least 100 women to the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections, potentially setting a new record for female representation in the chamber. This milestone would significantly increase the number of women serving in Congress, a legislative body that has traditionally been dominated by older white men.

Currently, there are 97 women in the House Democratic Caucus, including two nonvoting delegates from Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. This accounts for nearly 45 percent of the Democratic members, marking the highest level of female representation in the party’s history. Democrats hope to expand that number further as they compete in key districts that could determine control of the House.

Representative Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico, chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, expressed confidence that the party will surpass the 100-woman mark. “The real issue is how far above it do we go,” she said in an interview, emphasizing the party’s commitment to amplifying women’s roles in government.

The projection of up to 113 women in the Democratic caucus represents an optimistic scenario, requiring the party to win every competitive race, including some districts where Republicans are favored. Even so, reaching 100 women would be a significant breakthrough, especially considering that less than 5 percent of the House Democratic Caucus were female when organizations like EMILY’s List began supporting female candidates in 1985.

EMILY’s List, the largest funder of female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights, has played a pivotal role in elevating women candidates. Jessica Mackler, president of EMILY’s List, noted that women backed by the organization now make up the majority of Democrats running in toss-up races. “We have all along in this election cycle put women front and center to deliver the House majority,” Mackler said.

The Democratic Party’s strategic efforts include the “Red to Blue” program, which invests in top candidates in battleground districts. This year, nearly half of these 40 candidates are women.

Among the women considered strong contenders are those running in safe Democratic districts as well as several competing to flip Republican-held seats. Candidates expected to win open or safely Democratic seats include Melat Kiros in Colorado; Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez in New York; and Stefany Shaheen in New Hampshire.

Several women are making inroads in districts held by Republicans, such as Marni Von Wilpert in a newly drawn California district, Denise Powell in Nebraska’s Democratic-trending seat occupied by Republican Don Bacon, and Rebecca Bennett, who currently leads in polls against Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. Kean’s prolonged absence from Congress last year due to personal health challenges added to the competitiveness of the race.

While some female incumbents are retiring, the influx of new candidates and a political environment that currently favors Democrats could secure a historic level of female representation in the House by next year.