In a state where women have had trouble moving to the national level of politics, Pennsylvania Democrat Katie McGinty is looking to beat Republican incumbent Pat Toomey and break a gender barrier Nov. 8 by becoming the state’s first female U.S. senator.

If successful, she also may open more doors for more women in Pennsylvania politics.

“The political parties were made by men for men to elect men,” said Dr. Dana Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University, Pittsburgh. “Pennsylvania has a high rate of incumbency so it is a challenge for any newcomer.”

Brown noted Pennsylvania’s history with women on the national political stage. Only seven women from the commonwealth have served in the U.S. House since 1941.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics, based at Rutgers University in New Jersey, Pennsylvania ranks 40th in the number of female representation in state and national politics.

The center states that only 18.2 percent of the members of Pennsylvania’s 2016 General Assembly are women.

There are “more established male candidates” who draw the attention of donors and there aren’t as many women donating to political campaigns, McGinty said.

“Women don’t always have an immediate professional network who will jump right in on behalf of the candidate that is required to run for office,” she said.

Added G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster: “Until recent years, to get a job in politics, you would have to know someone. Women lack mentors.”

Politics and civil service jobs tend to take up a lot of time, which women don’t always have, McGinty said.

“The challenges of parenthood weigh a little harder on women,” she said.

Madonna agreed.

“Culturally, it is hard to do,” he said, adding that these positions tend to go toward a family’s breadwinner — traditionally a man.

Pennsylvania’s Legislature is a professional model, which requires representatives and senators to be at the Capitol many times a year, Brown said.

“You surrender a lot of your life to run for office,” Madonna said, adding that another reason women don’t always run for office is because politics and civil service “can be pernicious and nasty.”

While Madonna said there isn’t “a magic bullet” that can raise the rate of female politicians, Brown’s center in Pittsburgh operates a “Ready to Run” program to prepare women to run for office.

“When opportunities are available,” she said, “we want women poised to run.”

More women have begun to donate to female candidates, McGinty said, adding that the Represent! and Emily’s List PACs specialize in gathering donations for Democratic women running for office.

Getting more marginalized people into office is important, McGinty said, because “Diversity is the strength of our United States.”

“If you love your country, just know your perspective matters,” she said. “If you find your voice underrepresented, you have to find the energy to put yourself out there.”

Ginader writes for the Sunbury, Pennsylvania Daily Item.