A historic number of LGBTQ candidates have won their elections this midterm cycle.
According to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, a record 340 out LGBTQ people had won their elections as of 2:00 a.m. – beating 2020’s record of 336 for the most in US history.
And it’s not over yet. There are still more races to be called over the next few days.
“Bigots tried their best to undermine our political power – but their hate backfired and motivated more LGBTQ people to run and win than ever before,” said Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker.
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“Tonight’s Rainbow Wave is a clear rebuke to the increased homophobia and transphobia sweeping our communities – and proves voters want to elect qualified LGBTQ leaders. With so much at stake this election, from the future of marriage equality to abortion, LGBTQ candidates’ grit and exceptional grassroots support is paying off.”
Many of the winners have shattered lavender ceilings, such as Maura Healey, who will become the nation’s first out lesbian governor; Robert Garcia, who will become the first out LGBTQ immigrant in Congress; Becca Balint, who is the first out LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Vermont; Zooey Zephyr, who will be the first out trans person to serve in the Montana legislature; and New Hampshire’s James Roesener, the first trans man ever elected to a state legislature.
In addition to a record number of winners, 2022 has also seen a record number of LGBTQ candidates running for office.
According to the LGBTQ Victory Fund’s Out on the Trail Report, at least 1,065 LGBTQ people have run for office this year. That is not only the most in history, but it is also a 5.9 percent increase since the 2020 presidential election.
What’s more, for the first time ever, LGBTQ candidates have run for office in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia this year.
