‘The model is male’: UAA students talk with local women in politics

On March 22, a small group of students gathered in the Den for an intimate discussion with Anchorage Assembly Members Austin Quinn-Davidson and Suzanne LaFrance for USUAA’s Local Women in Politics Panel. 

Quinn-Davidson has been with the Anchorage Assembly since 2016, and LaFrance has been on the Assembly since 2017. Their terms will be ending this year, with a new election including their districts happening April 4. Neither representatives will be running for re-election. 

Quinn-Davidson and LaFrance discussed their time on the assembly, and their experiences as women in politics. The panel was moderated with questions from USUAA, but with such a small group, after introductions the crowd was able to ask their own questions in a relaxed setting. 

One of the first questions students asked was about “impostor syndrome,” when people doubt their skills or feel like a fraud after doing something successful.

“When I was first elected, it was a bit of a surprise,”said LaFrance, “For a few days I thought, ‘they’re gonna recount the votes and say you didn’t win!’”

Quinn-Davidson said that impostor syndrome is a common feeling among women in any profession. “I think it’s pretty natural for people of our age, who have been around during more traditional times, to feel that [impostor syndrome],” said Quinn-Davidson, “I think what had cured me of it, is ... you start realizing that a lot of old guys who think they’re real smart are not.”

LaFrance said that with time, she’s become more comfortable being in uncomfortable spaces. LaFrance is currently chair of the assembly, and she said it took time to be less intimidated by the role.

“Brains and skill come in all different bodies and minds,” said Quinn-Davidson, “You really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Both representatives talked about what a challenge it can be to convince women to run for political office. Quinn-Davidson and LaFrance needed lots of encouragement to run for their own offices. 

“I’ve asked dozens of women to run, and the first response is always laughter, or, ‘Me? Why me?’” said Quinn-Davidson. “You don’t even have to ask guys to run!” she laughed. 

Quinn-Davidson said that recruiting women and other marginalized identities for office can be a process that can take years. It can be a challenge to convince qualified people to take the position because people often convince themselves that they can't do it, she said. 

LaFrance said that she often hears from women that they’re more “behind-the-scenes” people, and that they don’t want to be out there campaigning. 

“What you’ve just described, behind the scenes, working with people, doing the work, that’s leadership!” she said.

LeFrance said the combative and aggressive approach to politics is harmful, and doesn’t accurately portray what true leadership is. She said that approaches such as leading from the middle and getting buy-in from others on collective visions is what’s more important.

Quinn-Davidson agreed, saying that she would rather talk with someone and try to figure out an issue, rather than feel like she had to prove a point. She said that the aggressive approach to politics could be discouraging for nontraditional candidates. 

“This political system of how people decide to run, who thinks they should run, how they present and serve is all based on men. The model is male.” Said Quinn-Davidson.

“You hear a lot of people say ‘we want women to run,’ or ‘we want people of color to run’ and … then you get here, we want you to act just like that 65 year old dude,” said Quinn-Davidson, “No. That’s actually not the goal. The goal is to bring our whole selves and change the systems so that we all feel comfortable with the systems. Then we all benefit from everyone giving a real piece of themselves.”

After an hour, the panel concluded when Quinn-Davidson and LaFrance had to attend an assembly meeting.