“"The new record — 159 women from both parties — is seven more women than currently serve in the House and Senate, according to data from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University and CNN election projections." — Aleena Fayaz, Renée Rigdon and Amy O'Kruk, CNN, Nov. 9, 2026”

The claim: “"The new record — 159 women from both parties — is seven more women than currently serve in the House and Senate, according to data from the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University and CNN election projections." — Aleena Fayaz, Renée Rigdon and Amy O'Kruk, CNN, Nov. 9, 2026”

Why we rated it this way: CAWP's tally, last updated Nov. 7, says at least 159 women will serve in the 120th Congress, counting 141 winners, two undecided races with women on both sides and 16 Senate holdovers, against 152 serving now, the previous record. CAWP also backs CNN's other details: at least 136 women in the House, a new record, while the Senate drops from 27 women to at least 23. CNN rounds the share to 30 percent where CAWP says at least 29.7 percent, and 15 races with women in them were still uncalled, so the final number could rise.

What would change our rating: A CAWP update or certified results showing fewer than 159 women elected, or a revised count of women currently serving other than 152, would move this verdict.