In a testament to the ever-expanding landscape of political representation, the upcoming elections present an array of openly gay and LGBTQ+ candidates breaking barriers and championing inclusivity. As these candidates navigate the campaign trail on their way to Congress, their presence underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping policies that resonate with the diversity of the people they represent. Read on to learn about 11 LGBTQ people who are running for office in 2024, and paving the way for a more inclusive and representative political terrain.
Eddy Morales
Eddy Morales is running to represent Oregon’s 3rd District in Congress. The two-term Gresham City Councilor has led on public safety and criminal justice reforms, affordable housing, protecting and expanding green spaces, and creating job opportunities. His innovative and diverse voice has been instrumental in advancing progressive causes in Gresham and across the country.
Evan Low
California State Assemblymember Evan Low is running for California’s 16th Congressional District. Born and raised in California’s Bay Area, Low has been a pioneer for diverse representation as the first Asian-American, openly gay, and one of the youngest people ever elected to Campbell’s City Council in 2006.
Emily Randall
Washington State Senator Emily Randall is running to succeed Congressman Derek Kilmer in Washington’s 6th Congressional District. When elected, Randall will be the first out LGBTQ Latina ever elected to Congress. She has worked as a fundraiser and advocate for Planned Parenthood and Boston Children’s Hospital, focusing on community and support for women, children and LGBTQ folks.
Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel is running to represent Central and Western Maryland in Congress. Vogel has worked for Senator Cory Booker as well as Secretary Hillary Clinton, and fought for gun violence prevention, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ rights. He’s also written and passed legislation to make investments in mental health, combat the rise in hate crimes, and address the fentanyl crisis.
Will Rollins
Former federal prosecutor Will Rollins is running to represent California’s 41st Congressional District. Republican Ken Calvert is the current representative and he has a strong anti-LGBTQ voting record. Rollins’ own identity as a gay man has motivated him to improve the lives of others who face discrimination.
Ritchie Torres
Ritchie Torres was the first out LGBTQ Afro-Latinx person elected to U.S. Congress. The South Bronx representative is running for reelection in New York’s 15th Congressional District. He’s passed over forty pieces of legislation, including legislation protecting New York City’s affordable housing stock, and taking on the city’s opioid epidemic.
Julie Johnson
State Representative Julie Johnson is running to represent Texas’ 32nd Congressional District. As a legislator, the Texas-educated attorney helped kill 76 out of 77 anti-LGBTQ bills. Johnson also frequently defends the Davids against the Goliaths, having helped students who were taken advantage of by for-profit universities, and fought for equality for female athletes. When elected, she will be the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in Congress from the South.
Mondaire Jones
Mondaire Jones was elected to Congress in 2020 to represent New York’s Hudson Valley and in doing so became one of the first Black LGBTQ members of Congress. He’s running to return to Congress to continue the work he started to raise wages, defend democracy, and fight for reproductive rights by stopping Republicans from banning abortion.
Chris Pappas
Chris Pappas made history in 2018 when he became the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to federal office from New Hampshire. Pappas is running for reelection in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District and has earned a reputation for driving results on issues like the opioid crisis and affordable healthcare.
Eric Sorensen
Eric Sorensen represents Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, and is running for reelection. He is the first openly LGBTQ Member of Congress from Illinois. Sorensen is a meteorologist who spent nearly two decades delivering the weather for local news channels in Illinois. As a Member of Congress, he uses his experience as a climate communicator to tackle environmental justice.
Sharice Davids
In 2018, Sharice Davids made history as the first openly LGBTQ Member of Congress from Kansas and as one of two first-ever Native American women elected to federal office. She is running for reelection in Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District. During her time in Congress she has fought to strengthen Kansas’ public schools and lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs.
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