CHICAGO — Democrats are working to energize a key demographic at their national convention: the women Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) mocked as “childless cat ladies” before becoming former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

The Democratic National Convention has elevated female leaders of the party, from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to former first lady Michelle Obama, in each night of programming, all while nodding to the historic significance of nominating Vice President Kamala Harris, the first black woman to lead a major party ticket.