Beto O'Rourke served as U.S. Representative for Texas' 16th Congressional District from 2013-2019 and was previously a small business owner. He garnered national attention during a competitive, yet unsuccessful race for U.S. Senate in Texas in 2018.

The Riveter Report

Campaign leadership positions held by women:

60%

Appearing at The Riveter?

Beto O’Rourke ended his candidacy on November 1, 2019.

Would be the first woman president?

No.

Learn more about Beto O’Rourke.

The Riveter’s 3 Questions

What’s one thing you, as a candidate, you can do right now to make equity of opportunity for women a reality?



BO: As someone who started a small business, Beto knows that small businesses are powerful engines of opportunity in this country, but that women and people of color who want to start small businesses themselves often face challenges when it comes to getting access to capital. Despite these barriers, women and minority-owned businesses helped lift America out of the Great Recession with minority-owned businesses creating nearly 1.3 million jobs. As President, Beto will shift $100 billion in government contracts to small businesses, with half of those resources going to women and people of color. This investment is expected to both create and preserve over 200,000 women and minority-owned small businesses by 2028.

What role do men have in creating a future of gender equity?

BO: For too long, women have carried the burden of fighting for equal rights, equal pay and autonomy over their health care decisions on their own. It’s time for men to step up and play their part. As president, Beto will pass and sign into law the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work; strengthen legal remedies for equal pay violations; and limit the use of wage history in the hiring process. Beto will expand access to affordable child care, enact paid family leave and will ensure people who temporarily take time off from work to care for a child or aging parent aren’t forced to sacrifice their retirement security. He will also mobilize the full force of the federal government to protect a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, including abortion, and will ensure his administration reflects the diversity of this country.



Standing up for women means standing…

BO: …alongside women to fight for equality in every aspect of our society – from ending the gender wage gap to ensuring more women can start and grow their businesses to fighting back against the nationwide assault on women’s reproductive rights.

Learn more about Beto O’Rourke