Dittmar's work involves both research on the role and influence of women and politics and advancing women’s political representation and power. Her 2015 book "Navigating Gendered Terrain: Stereotypes and Strategy in Political Campaigns" investigated how gender influences campaign strategy and campaign institutions. Dittmar has not been involved in any of the presidential campaigns but does manage a nonpartisan project of CAWP and the Barbara Lee Family Foundation called Presidential Gender Watch 2016. Presidential Gender Watch tracks, analyzes, and illuminates gender dynamics in the 2016 race.