(WASHINGTON)–LGBTQ+ candidates win key federal races and set a new record for LGBTQ+ representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Voters elected to send at least 12 LGBTQ+ elected officials to serve in the lower chamber in the upcoming Congress.
“Having increased representation in the U.S. House will be critical as we move forward under a new administration. Each of these representatives brings a vital voice and perspective to Washington,” said President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Mayor Annise Parker. “We’re proud to play a part in bringing even more historic diversity to Congress and congratulate these leaders for their success despite the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that plagued this election cycle.”
After Tuesday’s election, the 119th Congress has several historic firsts including its first transgender member, Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride in Delaware, and first LGBTQ+ Latina Rep.- Elect Emily Randall from Washington. Rep.-Elect Julie Johnson will be the first LGBTQ+ member of Congress from the south, representing Texas.
Key incumbents Reps. Mark Takano (CA), Robert Garcia (CA), Becca Balint (VT), Angie Craig (MN), Eric Sorenson (IL), Ritchie Torres (NY), Chris Pappas (NH), Mark Pocan (WI) and Sharice Davids (KS) won reelection to their races.
“Our federal candidates will be important changemakers and advocates for not only LGBTQ+ people but for entirety of the places they represent, and will be the pro-equality champions we will certainly need in the federal government,” says VP of Political Programs Sean Meloy.
Among LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorsed congressional candidates, one race – that of Will Rollins in CA-41 – has not been called as of Friday morning. Fifteen known LGBTQ+ candidates for the U.S. House appeared on the ballot this week.
