# Sexist abuse spikes in 2026 election

> Women candidates face twice the racist abuse of men in 2026 election.
- Title: Sexist abuse spikes in 2026 election · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: Women candidates face twice the racist abuse of men in 2026 election. Women political candidates in New Zealand received twice the racist abuse of men during…
- Keywords: 2026 election, new zealand, political candidates, sexist abuse, racist abuse, extreme comments, women candidates, men candidates, social media, parliament security, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2550149/a-sad-state-of-affairs-the-scale-of-sexist-and-racist-abuse-in-politics
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-11T18:26:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 2026 election, new zealand, political candidates, sexist abuse, racist abuse, extreme comments, women candidates, men candidates, social media, parliament security, politics, news
## Abuse scale in election
One in three social media comments for candidates in 2026 election was abusive.
## Women get sharper abuse
Women candidates received twice the negative comments compared to men candidates.
## Extreme abuse rates
5.1 percent of women's comments were extreme versus 2.4 percent for men.
## Racism dominates abuse
Racism was the most common form of identity-based abuse for women candidates.
## Green MP's response
Green MP Tamatha Paul needed physical security for debates due to threats.

> Parliament security guards and four uniformed police officers
## Death threat incident
Paul received a death threat planning to murder her.

> murder
## Labour MP's experience
Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni faced racist and misogynistic comments targeting her appearance.
## Long-term impact
Women's mental health risks and political participation decline due to online abuse.

> long-term cost
## Key takeaway

Women political candidates in New Zealand received twice the racist abuse of men during the 2026 election campaign, with 5.1% of comments labeled extreme.