LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Big Wins for LGBTQ+ Representation in North Carolina and Ohio

We’re thrilled to share some incredible victories from this week’s elections!

A huge thank you to Cameron Pruette, Executive Director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, for flagging the progress we’ve made in Charlotte! With November victories, 3 out of 11 seats on the Charlotte City Council will be held by LGBTQ+ leaders, a groundbreaking moment for the city. Congratulations to primary winners LaWana Slack-Mayfield, Danté Anderson, and JD Mazuera Arias. A special spotlight on JD Mazuera Arias, who is set to make history as the first out gay Latino elected to the Charlotte City Council!

Beyond Charlotte, LGBTQ+ candidates continued to shine across the country. In Cleveland, Rebecca Maurer advanced in a tough race for City Council, while in Boston, incumbent Liz Breadon moved forward to another term. And in Malden, Carey McDonald advanced to continue serving their community on the City Council. Each of these victories represents another step toward building the representation our community deserves at every level of government.

Looking Ahead: Next Week’s Local Elections

Next week, voters across multiple states will head to the polls, and we’re excited to see several LGBTQ+ candidates on the ballot.

In Massachusetts, Ashley Shade is running for North Adams City Council, Willie Burnley Jr. is vying for Mayor of Somerville, Laurie Sawyer is running for Attleboro City Council, John Newhall and Zachary Calderón are on the ballot for Salem City Council, and Mary DeLai is seeking a seat on Newburyport City Council. Each candidate brings a strong commitment to inclusive, community-driven leadership.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, Ron Gunzburger, Coren Eve Makell, and Keanuú Smith-Brown are all competing for Annapolis City Council seats, working to ensure LGBTQ+ voices are represented in local decision-making.

In New Hampshire, Bryce Kaw-uh is running for the Manchester Board of Aldermen, bringing fresh perspectives and a focus on equitable policies to the city’s leadership.

These elections are an important opportunity to continue building representation and advancing LGBTQ+ leadership in communities nationwide. Every vote counts, and your support helps amplify these trailblazing candidates’ voices.

Jolanda Jones Takes the Lead in Texas Special Election!

Big momentum in Texas: Victory Fund candidate Jolanda Jones just announced new polling that shows her leading the crowded 16-person field with 25% of the vote in her special election for U.S. House!

Jolanda has spent her career fighting for our community: from helping repeal Texas’s sodomy law to blocking anti-trans legislation and defending reproductive rights. Now she’s ready to take that fight to Congress, where she’ll work to protect Social Security, strengthen public schools, lower prescription drug costs, and ensure women and LGBTQ+ people can make their own healthcare decisions.

Learn more about Jolanda’s campaign and how you can help here!

Rising Support: Major Endorsements Boost Our Candidates

Big momentum is building for LGBTQ+ Victory Fund–endorsed candidates this election season!

JoAnna Mendoza, vying for U.S. House in AZ-06, just earned a key nod from Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott, signaling strong local support.

Toni Atkins, running for California governor, was proudly endorsed by members of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, highlighting her commitment to equality at every level of government.

U.S. Senate hopeful Angie Craig received a major boost with endorsements from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and an influential slate of state and local leaders.

In Illinois, Kevin Morrison’s campaign for U.S. House IL-08 gained a powerhouse lineup of supporters, including Congressmembers Mike Quiggle, Mark Takano, Ritchie Torres, and Becca Balint.

And in Michigan, Gabriela Santiago Romero won a critical endorsement from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, cementing her as a champion for reproductive rights!