We talked to a whole bunch of Democratic women — everyone from voters to activists to politicians — and found that they believe the influence female voters have on the direction of the party will continue into 2020. Privately, some told us that a Democratic presidential ticket that doesn’t feature a woman would be a major tactical mistake.

[Read the story here: In 2020, Democrats Expect a Female Front-Runner. Or Three.]

A trio of female senators — Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren — aren’t waiting for the midterms to pass. All three made presidential moves this week, with Ms. Warren releasing her DNA test, Ms. Gillibrand campaigning in New Hampshire and Ms. Harris stumping in South Carolina.

“Female leaders work harder, work together more often, and support each other. That’s the kind of leadership we need to fix our broken political system in 2018 and beyond,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a more moderate Midwesterner whose name is occasionally mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.

Of course, if female candidates don’t do as well as expected this year, it could strengthen the hand of those in the party who fear the fierce and deeply personal attacks a woman nominee would likely face from President Trump.

The results of the midterms will chart a course for 2020 in other ways, too. Alex has written previously of the two broad paths forward the party could find coming out of the midterms.