Karine Jean-Pierre becomes first Black and LGBTQ+ White House Press Secretary

On May 5, 2022, President Joe Biden announced the historic appointment of Karine Jean-Pierre to be the next White House Press Secretary. Jean-Pierre, a veteran of the Obama-Biden administration and Kamala Harris 2020 presidential campaign, would serve as the first Black, first immigrant, and first out LGBTQ+ person in the role. Prior to her appointment, Jean-Pierre served as the deputy press secretary to her predecessor Jen Psaki and held multiple advisory and press roles with MSNBC, NBC News, and MoveOn.org. President Biden spoke fondly of her in a White House press release:

"Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people. Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration."

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute – which advocates for the appointment of LGBTQ+ federal officials – celebrated the news with a statement.

“Karine is a lifelong public servant and fierce LGBTQ+ advocate,” said Annise Parker, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President & CEO.. “We are proud to have advocated for her historic nomination. As White House press secretary, she will not only be able to use her podium to represent the Biden administration, but also the LGBTQ+ community during a time of unprecedented anti-LGBTQ hate and attacks. As the first out LGBTQ+ person and the first Black person to hold this office, her appointment will inspire countless young people looking for hope and motivation during a dark chapter in our nation’s history. Shattering this lavender ceiling is a testament to Karine’s grit, power and commitment to our country’s potential. We are confident she will continue to be a strong ally and partner as she works in the highest office of the land.”

Listen to Psaki’s congratulatory message and Jean-Pierre's thoughts on the historic moment here:

The Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade

Pride Month 2022 ended with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Made two days shy of the eight-year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage, this ruling reversed the constitutional right to abortion as decided by 1973’s Roe v. Wade. Statements, like those made by Justice Clarance Thomas, left room for increased anti-choice and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

In his concurring opinion to the Court, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested a reconsideration of the Court’s stance on additional cases regarding one’s right to privacy previously ruled as protected under the Constitution's 14th Amendment.

. . . in future cases, we should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold [contraception], Lawrence [consensual, adult non-procreative sexual activity], and Obergefell [same-sex marriage]. Because any substantive due process decision is 'demonstrably erroneous,' we have a duty to “correct the error” established by those precedents.

After a draft of the Court’s June 24^th decision was leaked, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund joined the National Center for Lesbian Rights and 90 other LGBTQ+ organizations in an open letter to lawmakers in strong support of the right to abortion and its importance in our fight toward LGBTQ+ equality.

LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President & CEO Annise Parker also released the following statement:

Our worst fears have come to pass. With partial or complete abortion bans and trigger laws encoded at the state level across the country, millions of Americans have lost their right to make life-saving medical decisions about their own bodies. This assault on our fundamental freedoms by a Supreme Court willing to choose politics over precedent will cost lives and will disproportionally affect access to critical reproductive health care for people of color and low-income communities. It may also have cascading effects on legal cases pertaining to the LGBTQ community, especially for trans and nonbinary people as they face an unprecedented increase in legal and legislative attacks.

Our nation must confront the devastating reality that we can no longer rely on the Court to protect our most basic rights. Lawmakers must now determine what freedoms we have and which we don’t for the foreseeable future. We call on policymakers in all branches and at all levels of government to use every tool available to fight to keep abortion legal and accessible.

This cannot and will not stand. We must go into this election cycle with fury, determined to replace those who helped create this catastrophe with pro-choice champions. The stakes are too high to sit on the sidelines or remain silent.

Congress Passes the Respect for Marriage Act

On December 13, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) into law. Originally introduced in 2009 under the Obama administration, RFMA repealed the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which banned federal regulations of same-sex marriages and legally defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. President Bill Clinton, who signed DOMA into law, however, supported RFMA upon its 2009 introduction.

Following the 2013 United States v. Windsor and 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decisions, DOMA was deemed obsolete, tabling the progress of RFMA. However, Clarence Thomas’ aforementioned statement warranted a reintroduction of the Act including a codification of protections outlined in Lovings v. Viriginia, which lead to its successful passage. Hundreds, including act champion and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI-D), witnessed the signing at a ceremony on the White House South Lawn. The ceremony included musical performances and speeches by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris.

President Joe Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act; source: Flickr (The White House)

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President & CEO Annise Parker commented on the historic act:

When we read Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion in the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, we knew it was intended to be a rallying cry for anti-equality forces demanding that marriage equality be on the chopping block next. We also understood that with a Supreme Court bent on choosing politics over precedent, enshrining LGBTQ freedoms into federal law once and for all was essential.

Representation is power. Despite lacking equitable representation, our LGBTQ Congressional delegation consistently punches above their weight. We aren’t always the loudest, we aren’t always the most visible, but we have the grit and thick skins to fight the hardest.

Senator Baldwin is a true political juggernaut and has solidified her place as one of the greatest LGBTQ leaders of all time. The personal conversations she had behind closed doors with reluctant colleagues certainly changed hearts and minds and led to today’s result.

This landmark piece of legislation protects the marriages of millions of LGBTQ Americans who have not slept well for months, wondering if our marriages would be dissolved by an activist court. While the Respect for Marriage Act is undoubtedly one of the most important pro-LGBTQ laws ever passed, it does not require states to grant marriages to LGBTQ couples. Until then, our fight is not over.

Alaskan Lawmakers Blaze New Trail for Statewide Representation

Alaska, a state that had never elected an LGBTQ+ person to its legislature, made history in November with the elections of Jennifer Armstrong and Andrew Gray to the state House.

Jennifer “Jennie” Armstrong was elected to represent Alaska’s 16th State House District in the Anchorage area, becoming the first out LGBTQ+ woman to serve in the state House.

Andrew Gray won the seat for Alaska’s 20th House District, also in Anchorage. Together, Armstrong and Gray became the first out LGBTQ+ state legislators in Alaska, bringing representation to a state that had previously been one of only four without LGBTQ+ lawmakers. Their victories marked a historic step forward for inclusion and visibility in Alaska’s government.

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Keturah Herron Secures and Maintains LGBTQ+ Representation in Kentucky

In February, Keturah Herron made history in a special election, winning an open seat to represent Kentucky’s 42nd legislative district and becoming the state’s first out LGBTQ+ legislator. That November, voters reaffirmed their choice, electing her to a full term in the State House. Once again the only out LGBTQ+ voice in Kentucky’s legislature, Herron’s presence stands as both a breakthrough and a beacon, a reminder that representation can thrive even where it has never existed before.

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First Trans Man Elected to State Legislature

This fall, James Roesener made history in New Hampshire, becoming the first out transgender man ever elected to a state legislature in the United States. Representing Ward 8of the 22nd State House district in Merrimack County, his victory shattered along-standing barrier to transgender representation in elected office, marking a milestone not just for his state, but for the nation.

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Landmark Election Year in Congressional Candidate Diversity

According to LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s Queering Congress 2022: A Report on LGBTQ+ Congressional Candidates, the 2022 election cycle saw a remarkable surge in diversity among LGBTQ+ candidates. The number of candidates of color rose by 57.7% compared to2020, Latinx and transgender candidates doubled, Black candidates increased by89%, and the ranks of gay men, bisexual, and non-cisgender candidates grew by45%, 38%, and 70%, respectively. These gains offer clear evidence that the Rainbow Wave continues to build momentum, expanding representation at every level, from local school boards to the halls of Congress.

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Becca Balint Shatters Glass and Lavender Ceilings in Vermont

Elected to represent Vermont’s At-Large Congressional District, Becca Balint made history as the first woman ever sent to Congress from the state, breaking Vermont’s long-standing absence of female representation in the House. Her victory was also a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation, as she became the first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Vermont. In one remarkable election, Balint shattered both the glass ceiling and the lavender one, paving the way for a more inclusive future in Vermont and beyond.

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Sorensen Sets the Standard for Representation in Illinois

In November, Eric Sorensen was elected to represent Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, becoming the state’s first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress. Known for his work as a meteorologist, Sorensen had long earned the trust of Illinois residents through years of public service. Hi selection marks not only a personal milestone but also a historic step forward for representation in Illinois and in Congress.

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Historic Black and LGBTQ+ Representation Forged in Texas

Texas witnessed a remarkable surge in LGBTQ+ representation during the 2022 elections. In the March primaries, a record twenty-four LGBTQ+ candidates won their races, and in November, three Black LGBTQ+ representatives were elected to the Texas State House, marking historic firsts.

Jolanda Jones was reelected to District 147, where she initially made history as the first out Black LGBTQ+ person elected to the Texas Legislature in a May 2022 special election.

Christian Manuel-Hayes was elected to represent District 22. A native Texan, he has long championed public education and worked on policy initiatives at the state level, bringing both experience and passion to his new role.

Venton Jones won the seat for District 100, his birthplace and home. As CEO of a nonprofit advocacy group that works with those living with HIV/AIDS, he has dedicated his career to improving the lives of Texans. Alongside Manuel-Hayes, he becomes one of the first Black LGBTQ+ men ever elected to the Texas State House.

This election cycle not only brought a record number of LGBTQ+ wins in Texas, but also marked a groundbreaking moment with the first out Black people serving in the State House — a milestone in representation and progress for the state.

Minnesota Shatters Multiple Ceilings in Elections

Minnesota’s state legislature saw historic gains for both LGBTQ+ and Black representation in the November elections. Eleven out LGBTQ+ candidates won seats in the House and Senate, doubling the number of out LGBTQ+ members in the former and tripling it in the latter. Among them, three trailblazers broke new ground for their communities.

Leigh Finke was elected to represent District 66A in the Minnesota State House, becoming the first out transgender person ever elected to the state legislature. A dedicated advocate for bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate justice, Finke brings a powerful voice for equity and inclusion to the Capitol.

Erin Maye Quade returned to the legislature as the new State Senator for District 56, having previously served in the State House from 2017 to 2019. In 2018, she made history as the first endorsed LGBTQ+ candidate for statewide office from a major political party in Minnesota when she ran for lieutenant governor alongside Erin Murphy.

Clare Oumou Verbeten was elected to represent Senate District 66 after serving in local government for the City of St. Paul. She and Maye Quade are the first out LGBTQ+ women — and two of the first Black women —to serve in the Minnesota State Senate.

Together, their victories marked a turning point for Minnesota, signaling a legislature that better reflects the full diversity of the state it serves.

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First LGBTQ+ AAPI Mayor Elected in Florida

On the very day Florida’s legislature passed the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, voters in Boynton Beach made history of their own. Ty Penserga was elected mayor, becoming the city’s first out LGBTQ+ leader and the first out LGBTQ+ AAPI mayor in Florida’s history. In March, he stood among just four out LGBTQ+ mayors in the state, his victory a powerful reminder that progress can take root even in moments of deep challenge.

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Local LGBTQ+ History Made in North Carolina

On July 26, LaWana Mayfield was elected to the Charlotte City Council At-Large, making history as the first out LGBTQ+ person ever elected to a citywide position in North Carolina’s largest city. Charlotte— the 16th largest city in the nation — now joins a small but growing list of major metropolitan areas with out LGBTQ+ leadership. Mayfield is one of just seven out Black lesbians serving on city councils nationwide, her victory adding a powerful voice to the chorus for equality and representation.

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Pennsylvania Elects First Non-Binary Member of State Legislature

In November, Izzy Smith Wade-El was elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 49th House District, becoming the first nonbinary person ever elected to the state legislature. Bringing experience from his service on the Lancaster City Council, Wade-El’s victory broke new ground for both LGBTQ+ and non-binary representation in Pennsylvania, a step toward a legislature that reflects the full diversity of its people.

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First LGBTQ+ Woman Elected to Iowa State Senate

In November, Liz Bennett was elected to represent Iowa’s 39th State Senate District, which includes the city of Cedar Rapids. A seasoned lawmaker who had already served four terms in the Iowa House of Representatives, Bennett entered the Senate at a time when just seven other out LGBTQ+ officials held office statewide. With her victory, she became Iowa’s first out LGBTQ+ woman elected to the legislature — and the only out LGBTQ+ member of the State Senate —expanding representation in a chamber where it had never existed before.

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Zooey Zephyr Makes Trans History in Montana

The November elections brought a historic milestone for transgender representation in Montana. Zooey Zephyr was elected to represent the 100th House District, which includes Missoula, the state’s second-largest city, becoming the first out transgender person to serve in Montana’s legislature. At the time, only six other out LGBTQ+ officials held elected office in the state, and Zephyr joined a small but growing national cohort of just eight out transgender state legislators, her victory signaling a new chapter of visibility and representation.

Hoskins Becomes First LGBTQ+ State Lawmaker of Color in Michigan

Jason Hoskins, a longtime advocate with the ACLU, made history in November as the first out LGBTQ+ person of color ever elected to Michigan’s state legislature. Winning the seat for the 18th State House District, Hoskins not only shattered precedent but also brought a powerful new voice for LGBTQ+ communities of color to the state Capitol. His election represents a meaningful step forward in expanding representation, equity, and inclusion at the state level.

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Two Gubernatorial Wins Shatter Lavender Ceiling

In November, Massachusetts and Oregon set a new standard for representation with the elections of two historic governors.

Maura Healey captured the Massachusetts gubernatorial race on November 8, becoming the state’s first out LGBTQ+ governor and the first out lesbian governor in U.S. history. Healey had previously made national headlines as the first out LGBTQ+ state attorney general in the country when elected in 2014, and her gubernatorial win marked yet another groundbreaking milestone.

Just hours later, Oregon voters elected Tina Kotek as governor, making her one of the first two out lesbian governors in the nation. Kotek had already made history in 2013 as the first out lesbian Speaker of a state House, and her election to Oregon’s highest office reinforced the growing presence of LGBTQ+ leaders shaping state government across the country.

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Arizona Elects First LGBTQ+ Attorney General

On November 21, Kris Mayes made history as Arizona’s first out LGBTQ+ Attorney General, winning a razor-thin race by just 280 votes. Bringing extensive legal experience and a track record as a tireless advocate for Arizona residents, Mayes joined a small cohort of only three other out LGBTQ+ attorneys general serving nationwide at the time. Her victory marked both a personal milestone and a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in state leadership.

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Davante Lewis Shatters Multiple Ceilings in Louisiana

In December 2022, Davante Lewis made history in Louisiana, winning election as Public Service Commissioner for District 3. He became the first out LGBTQ+ person ever elected to state office — and the first out LGBTQ+ Black candidate to secure an electoral victory in Louisiana. At the time, Lewis joined just two other out LGBTQ+ elected officials serving in the state, his win sending a powerful message about representation, resilience, and thec hanging face of Louisiana politics.

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Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Returns

On July 1, 2022, Florida’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill took effect. HB 1557, under the guise of “prohibiting classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels or in a specified manner,” stripped students and teachers of the freedom to be open about their own identities. The law restricted instruction on gender identity, sexuality, personal pronouns, and related topics, while also limiting the teaching of critical health information — like the risks of HIV/AIDS and other STDs — subject to approval by the Florida Department of Education. Adding insult to injury, the bill made it easier for parents to challenge books and materials they deemed “inappropriate,” tightening its grip on educational content.

The vague language and clear intent of the bill sent shockwaves through school communities in Florida and beyond, sparking a wave of “copycat” legislation in other states. As Florida State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith explained, “The culture of fear that this bill has created and the chilling effect [means that] educators and school districts are scared to approach anything related to LGBTQ people or issues out of fear of lawsuits and professional ruin.”

Yet even as these attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and safety spread, voters in other states chose progress. Across the country, elections delivered moments of hope and joy, proving that courage, resilience, and representation can rise even in the shadow of fear.

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Robert Garcia Breaks Barriers as First Out LGBTQ+ Immigrant in Congress

In November 2022, Robert Garcia made history as the first out LGBTQ+ immigrant ever elected to the U.S. Congress, representing California’s 42nd Congressional District.

Garcia came to the United States from Peru as a young child and learned to read and write English through comic books. Driven by a passion for education and public service, he earned multiple degrees in education and communications before beginning his political career on the Long Beach City Council in 2009. He was elected mayor in 2014, where he built a record of tangible achievements for his community, championing abortion rights, effective climate action, and progressive education policies. Garcia’s election to Congress stands as a milestone for representation, proving that dedication, vision, and resilience can break barriers and inspire communities nationwide.

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First Out Black LGBTQ+ State Representative is Elected

During the November elections, Erick Russell made history as Connecticut State Treasurer, becoming the first out Black LGBTQ+ person ever elected to a statewide office in the United States.

A native of New Haven and a first-generation college graduate, Russell leveraged his law degree to build a career strengthening financial systems that promote social mobility for the state’s low-income residents. As State Treasurer, he continues to champion expanded opportunities while breaking both racial and LGBTQ+ barriers, proving that leadership rooted in equity and inclusion can reshape the halls of power.

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LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Endorsed Candidates in 2022

Wins 2022

Andrew Gray, Alaska House of Representatives, AK

Jennifer (Jennie) Armstrong, Alaska House of Representatives, AK

Greg Smith, City & Borough of Juneau Assembly, AK

Neil Rafferty, Alabama House of Representatives, AL

Tippi McCullough, Arkansas House of Representatives, AR

Evelyn Rios Stafford, Washington County Justice of the Peace, AR

Harrie Farrow, Carroll County Justices of the Peace, AR

Andrés Cano, Arizona House of Representatives, AZ

Lorena Austin, Arizona House of Representatives, AZ

Oscar De Los Santos, Arizona House of Representatives, AZ

Patricia Contreras, Arizona House of Representatives, AZ

Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General, AZ

Darlene Martinez, Maricopa County Constable, AZ

Kenneth Cheuvront, Maricopa County Justice of the Peace, AZ

Alex Lee, California State Assembly, CA

Christopher Ward, California State Assembly, CA

Corey Jackson, California State Assembly, CA

Evan Low, California State Assembly, CA

Rick Zbur, California State Assembly, CA

Adam Rogers, La Habra City School Board, CA

Adam Spickler, Cabrillo College Governing Board, CA

Ahmad Zahra, Fullerton City Council, CA

Andrea Beth Damsky, Helix Water District Board, CA

Caitlin Quinn, Petaluma Joint Union High School District Board of Education Trustee, CA

Cassandra May Albaugh, Cotati Rohnert Park School Board of Trustees, CA

Dan Arriola, Tracy City Council, CA

Denise Davis, Redlands City Council, CA

Ed Reece, Claremont City Council, CA

Florencio Briones, El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees, CA

Freddy Puza, Culver City Council, CA

James Aguilar, San Leandro Unified School District Board of Trustees, CA

Janice Li, BART Board of Directors, CA

Joel Kinnamon, Desert Community College District Board of Trustees, CA

Jorge Pacheco Jr, Oak Grove Board of Trustees, CA

Keir Jones, Signal Hill City Council, CA

Miles Prince, San Gabriel ValleyMunicipal Water District, CA

Nick Resnick, Oakland Unified School District Board of Education, CA

Rae Vander Werf, American River Flood Control District, CA

Rafael Mandelman, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, CA

Raymond Gregory, Cathedral City Council, CA

Richard Mehlinger, Sunnyvale City Council, CA

Rosanna Herber, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Board of Directors, CA

Scott Houston, West Basin Municipal Water District Board, CA

Tyller Williamson, Mayor of Monterey, CA

Victor Aguilar, San Leandro City Council, CA

Mark Takano, US House of Representatives, CA

Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner, CA

Robert Garcia, US House of Representatives, CA

Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools, CA

Eli Beckman, Corte Madera Town Council, CA

Gabriel Quinto, El Cerrito City Council, CA

Jason Lyon, Pasadena City Council, CA

Jennifer Campbell, San Diego City Council, CA

Ken Carlson, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, CA

Rolan Resendiz, Hollister City Council, CA

Tina Nieto, Monterey County Sheriff, CA

Omar Torres, San José City Council, CA

Andres Ramos, Compton College Board of Trustees, CA

Carolyn Wysinger, El Cerrito City Council, CA

Harris Mojadedi, Chabot-Las Positas Community College Board of Trustees, CA

Hector Bustos, Santa Ana Unified School District Trustee, CA

J.R. Fruen, Cupertino City Council, CA

Jeffrey Bernstein, Palm Springs City Council, CA

Kathleen Rivers, Ph.D., Cotati City Council, CA

Michael Vargas, Elk Grove Unified School District, CA

Nathan Gonzales, San Bernardino Community College Board, CA

Paloma Aguirre, Imperial Beach Mayor, CA

Pedro Chavez, Santa Paula City Council, CA

Ron Deharte, Palm Springs City Council, CA

Ryan LaLonde, Alameda Unified School Board, CA

Sabrina Cervantes, California State Assembly, CA

Steve Padilla, California State Senate, CA

Triston Ezidore, Culver City School Board, CA

Wanden Treanor, Marin Community College Board of Trustees, CA

Joel Engardio, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, CA

Frank Figueroa, Coachella City Council, CA

Brianna Titone, Colorado House of Representatives, CO

David Ortiz, Colorado House of Representatives, CO

Elisabeth Epps, Colorado House of Representatives, CO

Ruby Dickson, Colorado House of Representatives, CO

Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, CO

Amanda Gonzalez, Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, CO

Leslie Herod, Colorado House of Representatives, CO

Alex Valdez, Colorado House of Representatives, CO

Marcus Brown, Connecticut House of Representatives, CT

Erick Russell, Connecticut State Treasurer, CT

Raghib Allie-Brennan, Connecticut House of Representatives, CT

Dominique Johnson, Connecticut House of Representatives, CT

Zachary Parker, DC City Council, DC

Howard Bauleke, ANC, DC

Joe Bishop-Henchman, ANC, DC

Ed Comer, ANC, DC

Brian Footer, ANC, DC

Hayden Gise, ANC, DC

Stephen Kenny, ANC, DC

Duvalier Malone, ANC, DC

Brian McCabe, ANC, DC

Jamaal Maurice McCants-Pearsall, ANC,DC

Steven McCarty, ANC, DC

Charlie Panfil, ANC, DC

Salvador Sauceda-Guzman, ANC, DC

Nandini Sen, ANC, DC

Jeremy Sherman, ANC, DC

David Sobelsohn, ANC, DC

Rebecca Strauss, ANC, DC

Jamie Sycamore, ANC, DC

Zachary Ammerman, ANC, DC

Ryan Cudemus-Brunoli, ANC, DC

Matthew Fouracre, ANC, DC

Vincent E Slatt, ANC, DC

Ra Amin, ANC, DC

Travis Swanson, ANC, DC

DeShanna Neal, Delaware House of Representatives, DE

Eric Morrison, Delaware House of Representatives, DE

Kerri Evelyn Harris, Delaware House of Representatives, DE

Sarah McBride, Delaware State Senate, DE

Marie Pinkney, Delaware State Senate, DE

Michael Smith, Largo City Commission, FL

Paul Rolli, Wilton Manors City Commission, FL

Cheryl Grieb, Osceola County Commissioner, FL

Teri Johnston, Mayor of Key West, FL

Dennis Dawson, Mount Dora City Council, FL

Genece Minshew, Fernandina Beach City Commission, FL

Ray Deacon, Duval Soil and Water Conservation Board, FL

Michele Rayner, Florida House of Representatives, FL

Shevrin Jones, Florida State Senate, FL

Imani Barnes, Georgia House of Representatives, GA

Ben Ku, Gwinnett County Commissioner, GA

Karla Drenner, Georgia House of Representatives, GA

Sam Park, Georgia House of Representatives, GA

Marvin Lim, Georgia House of Representatives, GA

Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senate, GA

Park Cannon, Georgia House of Representatives, GA

Joshua Tenorio, Lieutenant Governor, Guam

Adrian Tam, Hawaii House of Representatives, HI

Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, Honolulu City Council, HI

Elinor Levin, Iowa House of Representatives, IA

Liz Bennett, Iowa State Senate, IA

Matt McCoy, Polk County Board of Supervisors, IA

V Fixmer-Oraiz, Johnson County Board of Supervisors, IA

Eric Sorensen, US House of Representatives, IL

Anthony Vega, Lake County Clerk, IL

Anthony Quezada, Cook County Commission, IL

Bradley Trowbridge, Circuit Court of Cook County, IL

Dustin Heuerman, Champaign County Sheriff, IL

Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commission, IL

Maggie Trevor, Cook County Commission, IL

Michael Weaver, Cook County Circuit Court Judge, IL

Rob Reneau, Peoria County Board, IL

Val Laymon, McLean County Board, IL

Lamont Robinson, Illinois House of Representatives, IL

Mike Simmons, Illinois State Senate, IL

William Smith, Van Buren Township Board, IN

J.D. Ford, Indiana State Senate, IN

Sharice Davids, US House of Representatives, KS

Brandon Woodard, Kansas House of Representatives, KS

Heather Meyer, Kansas House of Representatives, KS

Susan Ruiz, Kansas House of Representatives, KS

Keturah Herron, Kentucky House of Representatives, KY

Bryan Gatewood, Jefferson Family Court Judge, KY

Eric Haner, Jefferson Circuit Court, KY

Liz Sheehan, Lexington City Council, KY

Shelley Santry, Jefferson County Family Court Judge, KY

Adam Scanlon, Massachusetts House of Representatives, MA

Jack Patrick Lewis, Massachusetts House of Representatives, MA

Julian Cyr, Massachusetts State Senate, MA

Natalie Higgins, Massachusetts House of Representatives, MA

Sarah Peake, Massachusetts House of Representatives, MA

Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, MA

Samantha Montaño, Massachusetts House of Representatives, MA

Byron Macfarlane, Howard County Register of Wills, MD

Evan Glass, Montgomery County Council, MD

Anne Kaiser, Maryland House of Delegates, MD

Joseph Vogel, Maryland House of Delegates, MD

Kris Fair, Maryland House of Delegates, MD

Luke Clippinger, Maryland House of Delegates, MD

Karen Bushell, Montgomery County Clerk of the Court, MD

Krystal Oriadha, Prince George's County Council, MD

Pamela Boozer-Strother, PGCPS Board of Education, MD

Gabriel Acevero, Maryland House of Delegates, MD

Mary Washington, Maryland State Senate, MD

Charles Skold, Maine House of Representatives, ME

Laurie Osher, Maine House of Representatives, ME

Lois Reckitt, Maine House of Representatives, ME

Justin Chenette, York County Commission, ME

Jason Hoskins, Michigan House of Representatives, MI

Amanda Shelton, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge, MI

Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan, MI

Jason Morgan, Michigan House of Representatives, MI

Jeremy Moss, Michigan State Senate, MI

Laurie Pohutsky, Michigan House of Representatives, MI

Mike McFall, Michigan House of Representatives, MI

Noah Arbit, Michigan House of Representatives, MI

Trevor Youngquist, Eaton County Commission, MI

William Smith, Van Buren Township Board, MI

Emily Dievendorf, Michigan House of Representatives, MI

Valarie St. John, Grosse Pointe Board of Education, MI

Clare Oumou Verbeten, Minnesota State Senate, MN

Wendy Berry, West St. Paul City Council, MN

Angie Craig, US House of Representatives, MN

Alicia Kozlowski, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Brion Curran, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Heather Keeler, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Athena Hollins, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Jess Hanson, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Liz Reyer, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

María Isa Pérez-Hedges, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Scott Dibble, Minnesota State Senate, MN

Erin Maye Quade, Minnesota State Senate, MN

Leigh Finke, Minnesota House of Representatives, MN

Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney, MN

Davin Sokup, Northfield City Council, MN

Ian Mackey, Missouri House of Representatives, MO

Ashley Bland Manlove, Missouri House of Representatives, MO

Andrea Olsen, Montana State Senate, MT

Kim Abbott, Montana House of Representatives, MT

SJ Howell, Montana House of Representatives, MT

Zooey Zephyr, Montana House of Representatives, MT

Donavan Hawk, Montana House of Representatives, MT

Jonathan Melton, Raleigh City Council, NC

Alyson Grine, Superior Court Judge, NC

Amanda Maris, Durham County District Court Judge, NC

Allison Dahle, North Carolina House of Representatives, NC

Deborah Butler, North Carolina House of Representatives, NC

Lisa Grafstein, North Carolina State Senate, NC

Marcia Morey, North Carolina House of Representatives, NC

Mark Kleinschmidt, Clerk of Superior Court/Judge of Probate, NC

Satana Deberry, Durham County District Attorney, NC

Jenna Wadsworth, Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, NC

Vernetta Alston, North Carolina House of Representatives, NC

Joshua Boschee, North Dakota House of Representatives, ND

Ryan Braunberger, North Dakota State Senate, ND

Lucas Peterson, Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Board, NE

Megan Hunt, Nebraska Legislature, NE

John Fredrickson, Nebraska Legislature, NE

Gerri Cannon, New Hampshire House of Representatives, NH

Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, New Hampshire State Senate, NH

Chris Pappas, US House of Representatives, NH

James Roesener, New Hampshire House of Representatives, NH

Shaun Filiault, New Hampshire House of Representatives, NH

John Kashwick, Clinton Town Council, NJ

Patricia Hansen, Evesham Township Council, NJ

E Anthony (Tony) Parker, Flemington Borough Council, NJ

John Jackson, Red Bank Town Council, NJ

Julienne Verdi, Voorhees School Board, NJ

Reed Gusciora, Trenton Mayor, NJ

Jennifer Williams, Trenton City Council, NJ

Rich Rockwell, Bloomfield City Council, NJ

Cecelia González, Nevada State Assembly, NV

Melanie Scheible, Nevada State Senate, NV

Sarah Peters, Nevada State Assembly, NV

Brad Hoylman, New York State Senate, NY

Daniel O'Donnell, New York State Assembly, NY

Deborah J Glick, New York State Assembly, NY

Harry Bronson, New York State Assembly, NY

Jessica González-Rojas, New York State Assembly, NY

Tony Simone, New York State Assembly, NY

Ritchie Torres, US House of Representatives, NY

Jimmy Monto, Syracuse Common Council, NY

Jabari Brisport, New York State Senate, NY

Mary Wiseman, Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, OH

Nickie Antonio, Ohio State Senate, OH

Annie Menz, Oklahoma House of Representatives, OK

Mauree Turner, Oklahoma House of Representatives, OK

Travis Nelson, Oregon House of Representatives, OR

CM Hall, Newport City Council, OR

Remy Drabkin, Mayor of McMinnville, OR

Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon, OR

Dan Ryan, Portland City Commission, OR

Eddy Morales, Gresham City Council, OR

Ben Bowman, Oregon House of Representatives, OR

Dacia Grayber, Oregon House of Representatives, OR

Rob Nosse, Oregon House of Representatives, OR

Greg Holland, Mayor of Waldport, OR

La'Tasha D. Mayes, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, PA

Izzy Smith-Wade-El, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, PA

Jessica Benham, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, PA

Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, PA

Rebecca Kislak, Rhode Island House of Representatives, RI

Sam Bell, Rhode Island State Senate, RI

David Cicilline, US House of Representatives, RI

Brett Smiley, Mayor of Providence, RI

Andrew Iriarte-Moore, Little Compton Town Council, RI

Tiara Mack, Rhode Island State Senate, RI

Kameron Nelson, South Dakota House of Representatives, SD

Alicia Mousseau, Vice President, SD

Torrey Harris, Tennessee House of Representatives, TN

Christian Manuel-Hayes, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Jolanda Jones, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Venton Jones, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Beau Miller, 190th Judicial District Court, TX

Denise Hernández, Travis County Court at Law, TX

Jason Cox, Harris County Probate Court, TX

Jerry Simoneaux, Harris County Probate Court, TX

Jim Kovach, Harris County Civil Court at Law, TX

Louie Minor, Bell County Commission, TX

Porscha Brown, Harris County Criminal Court, TX

Sara Martinez, Dallas County Justice of the Peace, TX

Shannon Baldwin, Harris County Criminal Court, TX

Stacy Hackenberg, Justice of the Peace, TX

Steve Duble, Harris County Justice of the Peace, TX

Tonya Parker, 116th Judicial District Court, TX

Ann Johnson, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Erin Zwiener, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Jessica González, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Julie Johnson, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Mary Gonzalez, Texas House of Representatives, TX

Arlyn Bradshaw, Salt Lake County Council, UT

Sahara Hayes, Utah House of Representatives, UT

Sarah Reale, Utah State Board of Education, UT

Todd Cimino-Johnson, Leesburg City Council, VA

Peter Volosin, Roanoke City Council, VA

Becca Balint, US House of Representatives, VT

Michael Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer, VT

Douglas DiSabito, Vermont State Attorney, VT

Sarah George, Chittenden County State's Attorney, VT

Brian Cina, Vermont House of Representatives, VT

Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Vermont House of Representatives, VT

Kathleen James, Vermont House of Representatives, VT

Mike Rice, Vermont House of Representatives, VT

Taylor Small, Vermont State Representative, VT

Tiffany Bluemle, Vermont House of Representatives, VT

Josie Leavitt, Vermont House of Representatives, VT

G. Helen Whitener, Washington State Supreme Court, WA

Mary Yu, Washington State Supreme Court, WA

Beth Doglio, Washington House of Representatives, WA

Claire Wilson, Washington State Senate, WA

Emily Randall, Washington State Senate, WA

Jamie Pedersen, Washington State Senate, WA

Laurie Jinkins, Washington House of Representatives, WA

Marko Liias, Washington State Senate, WA

Nicole Macri, Washington House ofRepresentatives, WA

Mark Pocan, US House of Representatives, WI

Greta Neubauer, Wisconsin State Assembly, WI

Lee Snodgrass, Wisconsin State Assembly, WI

Mark Spreitzer, Wisconsin State Senate, WI

Tim Carpenter, Wisconsin State Senate, WI

Danielle Walker, West Virginia House of Delegates, WV

Losses 2023

Judson Scanlon, Arkansas House of Representatives, AR

Mark Moeremans, Phoenix City Council, AZ

Stephan Kingsley, Tempe Union School District Governing Board, AZ

Christy Holstege, California State Assembly, CA

Joseph Rocha, California State Senate, CA

Shawn Kumagai, California State Assembly, CA

Andrew Taban, William S. Hart Union High School District School Board, CA

William Muetzenberg, Tracy City Council, CA

Will Rollins, US House of Representatives, CA

Jimmy Dutra, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, CA

Laura Parmer-Lohan, San Mateo County Supervisor, CA

Mitch O'Farrell, Los Angeles City Council, CA

Rebecca Kaplan, Alameda County Supervisor, CA

Stephanie Wade, Seal Beach City Council, CA

Alfred Twu, AC Transit Board of Directors, CA

Billie Joe Wright, Anaheim Union High School District Board Trustee, CA

Caleb Castaneda, Victor Valley Union High School District Board of Governors, CA

Carlos Garcia, Palm Desert City Council, CA

Cesar Zepeda, Richmond City Council, CA

James Santana, Montebello School Board, CA

Jamin Pursell, Richmond City Council, CA

Scott Nevins, Palm Springs City Council, CA

Jim Oddie, Alameda City Council, CA

Jeffrey Litke, Connecticut House of Representatives, CT

Michele Keegan, ANC, DC

Andrew McCarthy-Clark, ANC, DC

Shane Seger, ANC, DC

Nicole "Nikki" Del Casale, ANC, DC

Adam Gentle, Florida House of Representatives, FL

Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida House of Representatives, FL

Eunic Ortiz, Florida State Senate, FL

Janelle Perez, Florida State Senate, FL

Kevin Macaulay, Marathon City Council, FL

Tina Ward-Pugh, Jefferson County Clerk, KY

Heather Mizeur, US House of Representatives, MD

April Christina Curley, Baltimore City Board of Education, MD

Domonique Clemons, Genesee County Commission, MI

Megan Cottington-Heath, Saginaw County 10th Circuit Court, MI

Austin Marsman, Allegan County Commission, MI

Landon Myers, Eaton County Commission, MI

Maurice Turner, Highland Park Mayor, MI

Justin Sheldon, Forest Hills School Board, MI

Linden Brown-Wren, East Lansing School Board, MI

Colin Lovett, Missouri House of Representatives, MO

Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, US House of Representatives, NC

Allison Scott, Asheville City Council, NC

Marcia Morgan, North Carolina State Senate, NC

Brandon Gray, North Carolina House of Representatives, NC

James Bowers, Nebraska Legislature, NE

Dana Hilliard, Executive Council, NH

Gregory Sargent, New Hampshire House of Representatives, NH

Joe Stanieich-Burke, New Hampshire House of Representatives, NH

Joshua Query, New Hampshire House of Representatives, NH

Betsy Driver, Flemington Mayor, NJ

Kadja Manuel, Trenton City Council, NJ

Pat Spearman, Mayor of North Las Vegas, NV

Robert Zimmerman, US House of Representatives, NY

Sean Patrick Maloney, US House of Representatives, NY

Jillian Hanlon, Dutchess County Sheriff, NY

Jim Obergefell, Ohio House of Representatives, OH

Jamie McLeod-Skinner, US House of Representatives, OR

Kathy Hyzy, Milwaukie Mayor, OR

Ashley Peele, Charleston County School Board of Trustees, SC

Brian Alston-Carter, Sumter School District Board of Trustees, SC

Jesse Walker, Goodlettsville City Commissioner, TN

Jose Orta, Williamson County Commission, TX

Celia Israel, Mayor of Austin, TX

Janelle Sarauw, Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Virgin Islands

Blaizen Bloom, Chesapeake Public School Board, VA

Lakeesha Atkinson, Portsmouth City Council, VA

Nicholas Gothard, Loudoun County School Board, VA

Adam Eisenberg, Seattle Municipal Court, WA

Sergio C. Flores, Tacoma Municipal Court, WA

Julianne Gale, Washington State Senate, WA

Jessica Katzenmeyer, Wisconsin State Senate, WI

Kristin Alfheim, Wisconsin State Senate, WI

Cody Thompson, West Virginia House of Delegates, WV

Ally Layman, West Virginia House of Delegates, WV

Chad Banks, Wyoming House of Representatives, WY

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