Washington, DC – Openly LGBTQ candidate Chris Pappas won his election tonight to become the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from New Hampshire. The congressional seat, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, was considered one of the most competitive in the country, having switched parties in five of the last six elections. Victory Fund made Pappas one of its “Game Changer” candidates, directly contributed $6500, and raised more than $15,000 for his campaign.
“For Democrats to retake the U.S. House they need LGBTQ Congressional candidates to win big, and tonight Chris Pappas delivered for them,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “In one of the most competitive districts in the nation and in a state that Trump almost won, voters chose an openly LGBTQ candidate because of his strong public record, commitment to public service, and openness about who he is and what he stands for. Chris’ historic win validates our belief that LGBTQ candidates are resonating with voters because of their authenticity and values-first agendas. His victory will be a roadmap for future LGBTQ candidates running for public office in swing districts.”
Twelve Victory Fund-endorsed LGBTQ Congressional candidates are on the ballot tonight. Seven of them are running in districts currently held by a Republican and for seats considered key to Democratic efforts to retake the U.S. House.
Live Election Night Results: Victory Fund is live-tracking the election results for 225 of its openly LGBTQ endorsed candidates. The latest updates can be found at victoryfund.org/results2018.
Rainbow Wave by the Numbers: LGBTQ Victory Fund released several reports on the unprecedented Rainbow Wave of openly LGBTQ candidates who ran for office during the 2018 election cycle, including one reporting on the total number of candidates who ran, another looking at the total number of candidates by state, and one analyzing Congressional and gubernatorial nominees.
