Best Women in Politics Books of 2026

This book is a memoir by Kayleigh McEnany, former White House press secretary, describing her journey to the White House podium and how faith helped her overcome the challenges she faced. From being a White House intern to national television host, McEnany shares never-before-told anecdotes about what really happened within the Trump administration. The book is a New York Times bestseller and offers readers a unique insight into the high stakes moments in the West Wing. Overall, it is an inspiring and thought-provoking read that highlights the importance of faith in navigating difficult times.

Feminism Against Progress by Mary Harrington is a bold critique of modern feminism, arguing that it has been co-opted by a small group of elite women who use the movement to further their own interests. The book contends that progress is no longer benefiting the majority of women, and that only a skeptical feminism can truly defend their interests in the twenty-first century. Harrington warns against a dystopian future in which poor women become mere sources of body parts and wombs for the rich. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist theory and its evolution in the digital age.

The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America is a captivating biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, who was FDR's closest advisor during World War II. Despite her modest immigrant beginnings and only a high school education, Rosenberg became one of the most influential women in 20th-century America, guiding critical national policies and shaping the country's future. The author tells Rosenberg's remarkable story with charm and captivating details, shedding light on a forgotten yet inspiring figure. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in women's biographies and the untold stories of America's history.

This book, titled "From Property to Partner: Women’s Progress and Political Resistance," explores the journey of women's liberation over the last century, from being considered as property to becoming partners in society. The author delves into the factors that have influenced this evolution, including technology, changing work dynamics, and women's reproductive rights. The book also examines the current political climate, which is threatened by efforts to return women to a subordinate status. This book is an insightful read for those interested in gender and the law. Overall, the book provides a thought-provoking analysis of women's progress and the challenges they face in their quest for equality.

Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland is a memoir by Kristi Noem, the current governor of South Dakota. In this book, she shares her life story of growing up on a ranch and how it taught her to be a leader. Noem's reflections are candid and offer honest glimpses into marriage, motherhood, and leadership in an unpredictable time. While the book does touch on politics, it is primarily a story of a life lived so far, with characters as richly textured as the Black Hills and reflections as gentle and powerful as America itself. Overall, it is an inspiring read that highlights the importance of hard work, faith, and helping others.

Extraordinary Women In History: 70 Remarkable Women Who Made a Difference, Inspired & Broke Barriers is a compilation of the incredible real-life stories of 70 remarkable women throughout history. From female daredevils and pioneering innovators to radical reformers, dedicated activists, leaders, wordsmiths, artists, veterans and more, this book seeks to inspire and empower women of all backgrounds to dream big and break barriers by sharing the amazing achievements of truly unstoppable female heroes. This book is perfect for history fans, educators, as an inspiration for young girls, or for anyone interested in discovering the legacies of these remarkable women.

Lessons From The Edge: A Memoir is an inspiring and urgent memoir by Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. In this book, Yovanovitch talks about her career as a pioneering diplomat and how she advanced democracy in the post-Soviet world. She also shares her experience during the first impeachment of President Trump and how she was targeted by a smear campaign and abruptly recalled from her post in Kyiv, Ukraine. This book is a must-read for those interested in diplomacy, politics, and women's biographies.

The Case for Trump by Victor Davis Hanson is a New York Times bestselling biography that explains how a businessman with no political or military experience became one of the most successful and necessary presidents of all time. Hanson argues that Trump saw a political opportunity in defending the working people of America's interior, and had the instincts and energy to pursue this opening to victory. The book provides a well-researched and intelligent defense of Trump and his agenda, making it a must-read for those who support the President or want to understand this moment in history.

Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem is a tribute to the resilience and strength of African-American women, who have been at the forefront of the nation's political, social, and economic struggles. April D. Ryan celebrates the unprecedented role of Black women in upholding democracy, particularly in the year 2020 when Kamala Harris became America's first Black woman Vice President. Ryan's book combines interviews with influential Black women and her personal journey as a single mother in journalism. This book is a vital kaleidoscopic look at women of different ages and backgrounds who devote their lives to making the world a better place.

Fiona Hill's book "There Is Nothing For You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century" is a powerful memoir that offers unique perspectives as an historian and policy maker. Hill shares her personal journey out of poverty and how declining opportunity has set America on the grim path of modern Russia. She argues that expanding opportunity is the only long-term hope for our democracy. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a better American future and is highly recommended by Timothy Snyder and Rachel Maddow. Overall, it is a well-written and insightful book that sheds light on the current political landscape.