"This is my space": Gillibrand’s unabashedly feminist campaign

And by using her gender to find a toehold in the Democratic electorate, Ms. Gillibrand risks pigeonholing herself in a race where voters may be seeking a broader populist message.

“There may well be a risk,” Ms. Gillibrand said, in what she calls her “women plus” campaign platform. “But it is who I am. I think the country would be so much stronger if women had greater voices.”

Still, Ms. Gillibrand is unwavering. Calling out sexism and sexual misconduct in all corners — including her outspoken critiques of former President Bill Clinton and former Senator Al Franken — is a political calling card that she feels distinguishes her.

Her first words on national television describing her rationale for running were that she is a “young mom.” Her first big speech as a candidate took place at a women’s march in Des Moines. Her first fund-raising event was hosted by a women’s group in the Bay Area. And her first question from the press — about her likability — she derided as “sexist.”