LGBTQ+ issues & candidates won last night’s election on almost every ballot

Whether it was queer candidates or ballot questions about LGBTQ+ issues, Election Day was a lavender wave.

Virginia Del. Danica Roem (D) made history as the first transgender state senator elected in her state, part of a Democratic wave that gave them control of both chambers of the legislature, but several other candidates won big at the ballot box. Even more, several Republicans ran with explicitly anti-trans public positions and spent over $500,000 on attack ads. All nine LGBTQ+ candidates in the state won their election.

Related:

Ohio voters defeat GOP anti-abortion agenda in resounding pro-choice victory

Republicans used many tricks to try and defeat the measure.

“Voters for LGBTQ equality and everyone’s fundamental freedoms came out in force in the 2023 election, reflecting the reality that a supermajority of Americans support LGBTQ people and our right not to be discriminated against,” Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD said. “The results will lead to a better lived reality for LGBTQ people in the South and Midwest, and send a message to all lawmakers: LGBTQ people are valued members of our communities, we value everyone’s freedom to be themselves and make their own health care decisions, and we embrace diversity in our elected officials.”

Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024

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Over 200 LGBTQ+ candidates won their elections in 2023 – including 148 last night – more than in any other odd-numbered election year in U.S. history. The number of victories is expected to rise with more election results. The previous record was in 2021 when 184 out LGBTQ+ candidates won.

Rue Landau won an at-large seat on the Philadelphia City Council, making history as the first out LGBTQ+ candidate to win election to the council. Until today, Philadelphia was the last major city to have never elected an out council member.

Fabian Nelson won the general election to represent District 66 in the Mississippi House, making history as the first out LGBTQ+ candidate to win election to the state legislature. Until today, Mississippi and Louisiana were the only states that have never elected an out lawmaker.

Luanne Peterpaul won the general election to represent District 11 the New Jersey General Assembly, becoming the first-ever out LGBTQ woman to win a seat in New Jersey’s state legislature. A former county prosecutor, Peterpaul previously served as Chair of the Board for Garden State Equality. 

Rhode Island elected Gabe Amo, the first Black man to represent Rhode Island in Congress, succeeding out LGBTQ Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI).

In Kentucky, Republicans spent over $5 million on ads attacking LGBTQ+ rights and Governor Andy Beshear’s (D) defense of the trans community. Beshear, a straight ally, won re-election.

Even in what seemed like inconsequential skirmishes over LGBTQ+ rights, the queer community won.

In Pella, Iowa, voters rejected a measure that would have given the city council more control over the public library. The library had resisted attempts to ban books with LGBTQ+ themes and characters.