A record number of LGBTQ politicians have won their races in the November midterm elections, making U.S. history.
This year 678 LGBTQ candidates appeared on ballots in every state. Those backed by the Victory Fund and Human Rights Campaign are celebrating their wins as they “shatter lavender ceilings.” Think you missed a few of the wins? Here’s a list of the major LGBTQ+ victories thus far.
House of Representatives:
-Becca Balint (VT-1) will serve as Vermont’s first female and lesbian elected to Congress.
–Robert Garcia (CA-42) will serve as California’s first openly gay immigrant elected to Congress.
–Eric Sorensen (IL-17) will serve as Illinois’ first LGBTQ man ever elected to Congress.
Incumbent Wins:
David Cicilline (RI-1), Angie Craig (MN-2), Sharice Davids (KS-3), Chris Pappas (NH-1), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15).
Gubernatorial:
–Maura Healey will serve as the first out lesbian governor of Massachusetts.
–Tina Kotek will serve as the first out lesbian governor of Oregon.
Other Big Wins!
–James Roesner is the first out transgender man to be elected to New Hampshire’s 22nd state House District, Ward 8. He is also the first transgender man to be elected in any state legislature in U.S. history.
-Gerri Cannon will be the first out transgender person elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
–Erick Russell will serve as Connecticut state treasurer, becoming the first Black LGBTQ candidate for statewide office in U.S. history.
According to a recent press release from the Human Rights Campaign, these candidates will play “key roles in promoting, advancing and eventually passing critical legislation, like the Equality Act and the Respect for Marriage Act during the 117th Congress.” This representation is crucial in a moment when “state legislators across the country have introduced more than 350 anti-LGBTQ+ bills.”
Find a complete list of every LGBTQ+ candidate who was elected to local, state and federal office in 2022 click here.
Featured photo: Representative-elect Becca Balint (photo: beccabalint.com)
