Midterm elections: On the frontline of Democrats' heartland battle to retake the House of Representatives

Brenda Wright, of the public policy think tank Demos, said there were several reasons to anticipate a big turnout of women, and a high number of successful female candidates. One was the MeToo movement, which grew after Harvey Weinstein and other high-profile figures were accused of sexual assault – accusations Mr Weinstein has denied. Another was women’s views about Mr Trump.

“That could definitely be adding to the impetus. Women feeling now is the time to step up.”