LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Representation matters: backing LGBTQ+ champions in 2025

In 2025, building LGBTQ+ representation is more urgent than ever. From unprecedented legislative attacks to the ongoing struggle for visibility, our community faces existential challenges, and the only antidote is more LGBTQ+ leaders in every corner of government.

LGBTQ+ Victory Fund continues to fuel that progress by endorsing courageous leaders like Jolanda Jones, who is running in a Texas special election for U.S. House District TX‑18, with her general election scheduled for November 4, 2025!

If she wins, she would become the first out LGBTQ+ Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress, a milestone that would amplify Black queer voices in national policy. Jolanda has decades of service across city council, school boards, and state legislature in Texas. As the first out LGBTQ Black representative in the Texas House, she led the repeal of the sodomy law and continuously battles anti‑LGBTQ legislation in her state!

Building a Rainbow Wave in the U.S. Congress

Angie Craig is building a strong case in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: she’s raised the most cash in the race! She also announced a huge endorsement from U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi!

Meanwhile, Chris Pappas, who is running for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, has announced his campaign has raised $1.8 million so far! He’s also raising the alarm about the Trump Administration shutting down the LGBTQ+ subline of the 988 crisis support hotline.

JoAnna Mendoza, running for AZ-06, launched her first campaign ad – watch it here! You can also check out her latest interview with Herald/Review Media here!

In Michigan, Jeremy Moss is standing strong for trans rights as he runs for Michigan’s 11th Congressional seat. He also joined FlashPOINT to talk about the campaign trail and his work in the Michigan senate!

Meanwhile on the campaign trail in Illinois, Kevin Morrison is hitting the pavement and meeting voters! He’s been canvassing and campaigning across IL-08 ensuring voters know his story and what’s at stake in the U.S. House!

From Statehouse to Statewide: Toni Atkins Runs for California Governor

With Vice President Kamala Harris confirming she won’t run for California governor in 2026, all eyes are on another trailblazer: former Senate President pro Tem and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins.

As the first woman and first out LGBTQ+ person to lead both chambers of the California Legislature, Toni has made history — and now she's running to make it again. A lifelong advocate for reproductive freedom, working families, and LGBTQ+ equality, Toni’s campaign is powered by the same values that have guided her entire career. Victory Fund is proud to support Toni as she seeks to become California’s next governor.

Ebbin and Henson fight for equality - and reelection

Two LGBTQ+ trailblazers are back on the ballot in Virginia, and they’re fighting to protect marriage equality after Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears came out against the bill.

State Senator Adam Ebbin, the first out gay member of both chambers of the General Assembly, is leading the push to repeal Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban. Delegate Rozia Henson, the first out gay Black member, passed legislation to prevent discrimination in marriage equality. Their campaigns are about more than reelection. They’re about securing lasting protections for our community. Let’s make sure they have the support to keep fighting!