We’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy. Read our story.

Author

Abby Johnston

Abby Johnston is our editorial director. Before joining The 19th, she edited and managed digital strategy for the Texas Observer, Frontline and Texas Monthly. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Missouri.

The Latest

How Trump and Biden’s dueling town halls addressed women's concerns

There were minimal mentions of issues that disproportionately impact women, though Biden’s town hall saw the first question about LGBTQ+ rights.

Abby Johnston, Shefali Luthra, Andrea Valdez · October 15, 2020
Melinda Gates ‘still discussing’ if she and Bill Gates will endorse a presidential candidate

The decision to throw support behind someone would be a departure for the Gates, who have not previously endorsed someone for the position.

Abby Johnston · August 12, 2020

The 19th
The 19th is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our stories are free to republish in accordance with these guidelines.

Changing Child Care

Washington, D.C., offers financial relief to local child care workers

As climate change worsens hurricane season in Louisiana, doulas are ensuring parents can safely feed their babies

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito argued abortion isn’t an economic issue. But is that true?

Next-Gen GOP

Mayra Flores’ victory set a record for women in Congress. It also reflects the growing visibility of Republican Latinas

A banner year for Republican women

Republican women could double representation in the U.S. House

On The Rise

Can Cheri Beasley build a winning coalition in North Carolina?

Los Angeles has never elected a woman mayor. Karen Bass hopes to change that.

Judge J. Michelle Childs is confirmed to D.C. appeals court

Pandemic Within a Pandemic

Some LGBTQ+ people worry that the COVID-19 vaccine will affect HIV medication. It won’t.

Why are more men dying from COVID? It’s a complicated story of nature vs. nurture, researchers say

Few incarcerated women were released during COVID. The ones who remain have struggled.

Portraits of a Pandemic

For family caregivers, COVID is a mental health crisis in the making

A new database tracks COVID-19’s effects on sex and gender

Pregnant in a pandemic: The 'perfect storm for a crisis'

The 19th Explains

The 19th Explains: What we know about Brittney Griner’s case and what it took to get her home

The 19th Explains: Why the Respect for Marriage Act doesn’t codify same-sex marriage rights

The 19th Explains: Why baby formula is still hard to find months after the shortage

The Electability Myth

Mayra Flores’ victory set a record for women in Congress. It also reflects the growing visibility of Republican Latinas

Stepping in after tragedy: How political wives became widow lawmakers

Do term limits help women candidates? New York could be a new testing ground

The Impact of Aging

From ballroom dancing to bloodshed, the older AAPI community grapples with gun control

'I'm planning on working until the day I die': Older women voters are worried about the future

Climate change is forcing care workers to act as first responders

Voting Rights

Election workers believe in our system — and want everyone else to, too

Voter ID laws stand between transgender people, women and the ballot box

Emily’s List expands focus on diverse candidates and voting rights ahead of midterm elections

Author

Abby Johnston

How Trump and Biden’s dueling town halls addressed women's concerns

Melinda Gates ‘still discussing’ if she and Bill Gates will endorse a presidential candidate