There are strategic reasons for McSally to emphasize gender equality, an issue that could be key for appealing to women and independent voters, especially those who are turned off by Trump’s allegations of sexual misconduct and rhetoric toward women. In a head-to-head race against Sinema, gender is seen as a likely asset not only when it comes to voter support, but also for GOP optics. “The [Republican Party] has a gender gap,” says Larry Sabato, the head of UVA’s Center for Politics. “By nominating McSally, they’re hoping to close the gap a bit.”