274 LGBTQ Candidates Win Their Elections Across the Nation
metroweekly.comfirst out transgender member of Congress.HRC Texas State Director Melodia Gutierrez celebrated Johnson’s victory as a “historic milestone” and LPAC, the political action committee dedicated to electing LGBTQ women and nonbinary candidates to office, praised Randall’s historic victory.“As an out lesbian Latina, I will rest better at night knowing that Emily Randall will be fighting for LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, immigration reform and reproductive freedom in Congress,” Janelle Perez, the executive director of LPAC said.Meanwhile, the Human Rights Campaign celebrated McBride’s victory, calling her an “effective lawmaker” and a “devoted public servant” who would not only deliver for her constituents but whose presence in the House would reflect an increasing acceptance of transgender individuals in public positions.
All of the currently-serving LGBTQ House members — U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Sharice Davids (D-Kansas), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), and Eric Sorenson (D-Ill.) were re-elected to office.At the state level, LGBTQ women and nonbinary candidates celebrated historic victories, with Aime Wichtendahl becoming the first openly trans person elected to the Iowa State Legislature by winning a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives.Additionally, Gabby Salinas became the first LGBTQ woman to serve in the Tennessee state legislature, while Kentucky State Rep.
Keturah Herron became the commonwealth’s first-ever genderqueer person elected to the State Senate. All three Democrats will serve in Republican-dominated legislatures in states that have passed a flood of anti-LGBTQ legislation in recent years.In North Carolina, State Sen.
Lisa Grafstein (D-Raleigh) was re-elected and remains the sole LGBTQ member of the upper chamber. Similarly, in Montana, State Rep.
