LGBTQ+ candidates in Texas, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania could make history today, as elections are held across the country one year after the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. While many will look to races like Virginia’s governor’s race and New York’s mayoral race for indicators of voters’ attitudes toward Trump, there are also a number of local elections that show how communities are responding to the unprecedented attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people.
Heading into the election, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is endorsing 264 LGBTQ+ candidates in 37 states this year, with 171 on the ballot in the 2025 general election. The organization, which supports LGBTQ+ political candidates, notes that this is the highest number of LGBTQ+ candidates endorsed in a non-federal election year, with the number for 2023 being 253.
“There is no off year for equality. Every race matters. Every vote matters,” Evan Lowe, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, said ahead of election night. “Across America, LGBTQ+ leaders are stepping up to fight for our rights, our families, and our futures. Representation is not seasonal. It is essential.”
Check out some of the LGBTQ+ races Victory is highlighting today.
jolanda jones
jolanda jones
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Jolanda Jones is a Texas Democrat running for the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election. Jones, an openly lesbian state lawmaker, recently spoke to The Advocate about her race.
“I was inspired to run because voters encouraged me to run,” Jones said. defender.
If Jones wins Tuesday’s special election for Houston’s 18th Congressional District, he will make history as the first blackout member of Congress. lesbian A woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She’s proud of the milestone, but fretful about the fact that it’s still a milestone.
“It’s 2025,” she said. “It doesn’t make any sense that we’re still having our first experience.”
Erica Deuso
Erica Deuso
erikadeuso.com
Erica DeusoThe scientist and community advocate is running for May in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The bi transgender candidate has served on the boards of the Pennsylvania Equality Project, PFLAG Westchester, Emerge Pennsylvania, and others. Mr. Deuso is also a member of the Chester County Democratic Party Executive Committee. She lives in Downingtown with her husband Michael, dog, and three cats.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund says she aims to strengthen the town’s “Good Neighbor” spirit through inclusion and collaboration.
jasmine preston
jasmine preston
victoryfund.org
jasmine prestonBorn and raised in Columbia and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, she has a background in safety management and human resources. A trans woman candidate is running for mayor in the District of Columbia. She previously chaired the Zoning Hearing Committee and served on several local boards. “Known for her transparency, authenticity, and deep loyalty to her community, Jasmine has always strived to uplift her hometown,” Victory said in her bio.
joshua cole
joshua cole
victoryfund.org
Raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia joshua cole He plans to continue serving as a local representative in the state’s House of Delegates as the state seeks to maintain Democratic control of the state Legislature. The local black pastor is a husband and father.
“Josh’s belief and dedication to service led him as a representative to restore historic investments in schools, public safety, transportation infrastructure, and better access to quality, affordable health care,” the Victory Fund said.
Alejandra Salina
Alejandra Salina
Sharon Steinman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
out lesbian candidate Alejandra Salina is seeking to become the first LGBTQ+ Latina woman elected to the Houston City Council. The Democratic attorney serves on the boards of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Second Mile Haiti, a nonprofit that provides prenatal and family care to Haitian mothers and families.
Jim McGreevey
Jacqueline Matos McGreevy and Jim McGreevy
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Jim McGreevey becomes Jersey City’s first openly gay mayor. The Democratic Party has ruled on policies such as property tax and rent control, controlled development, local police and security, and education. He has previously served as governor, state senator, and state representative. McGreevey resigned as governor of New Jersey in 2004 after coming out. He also served as mayor of Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Luann Peter Paul
Luann Peter Paul
John Lamparski/Getty Images at Concordia Summit
The Democrat became the first gay woman elected to the New Jersey State Assembly in 2023. Luann Peterpole wants to keep her seat in parliament. A managing partner at Parpol Law Firm, she previously served as an assistant Essex County prosecutor, successfully prosecuting criminals ranging from theft to murder, and was appointed district judge for the cities of Long Branch and Asbury Park from 2018 to 2022. She lives with her wife in Long Branch, New Jersey.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
