In what can only be seen as a crushing blow in the fight for justice, equality, and a livable future for ALL Americans, Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election. For GO Magazine and our readers who have worked and will continue to work to create an America that safeguards civil rights and liberties, this outcome is discouraging and alarming.
Despite the results of this election, we will continue to pursue a future with protections for individuals of all faiths, races, orientations and identities, restored reproductive freedoms, stronger healthcare, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, lower energy costs, decisive action on climate change, and a fairer path to the middle class through quality, affordable education. We will continue to fight for communities to be free from the threat of gun violence, and a strengthened immigration system that upholds dignity, fairness, and humanity. We will continue to hope for leadership that will stand against dictators, support our military and veterans, and their families. We will continue to fight for an America that will protect ALL her citizens in the fight against the rise of hate and intolerance.
Let’s all get back to work.
It’s important to note that there were key victories for Democrats in local and state elections, including LGBTQ+ candidates. Key victories included:
Sarah McBride (Delaware): Elected to the U.S. House for Delaware’s at-large district, McBride is now the first openly transgender person in Congress. Known for her advocacy on reproductive rights, paid leave, and affordable childcare, McBride has long been a pioneering voice, becoming the first openly trans state legislator in 2020.
Julie Johnson (Texas): Winning Texas’s 32nd Congressional District, Johnson is now the first openly LGBTQ person to represent Texas in Congress and the first elected from the South. In the Texas Legislature, Johnson was instrumental in creating the state’s LGBTQ caucus and building bipartisan support.
Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin): U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin was reelected to her third term over Republican challenger Eric Hovde. The narrow margin of 49.4 percent to 48.5 percent proves Baldwin’s focus on working families, job security, and affordable health care was successful. Baldwin, the first openly LGBTQ member of the Senate, has been a leading voice in LGBTQ+ rights and has vowed to continue her advocacy.
Emily Randall (Washington): Randall was elected to represent Washington’s 6th Congressional District, becoming the first woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve the district, and also the first LGBTQ Latina in that body. Her campaign focused on healthcare access, reproductive rights, and education.
Keturah Herron (Kentucky): Making history once again, Herron became the first out LGBTQ+ woman elected to the Kentucky State Senate. Previously the first openly LGBTQ member of Kentucky’s House, Herron has been a champion for racial justice, gun safety, and LGBTQ equality.
Gabby Salinas (Tennessee): Salinas broke barriers by becoming the first out LGBTQ+ woman elected to the Tennessee state legislature. A cancer survivor and community activist, Salinas has vowed to protect LGBTQ rights and fight for fair treatment for all Tennesseans.
Vernetta Alston (North Carolina): Alston won reelection in District 29 of the North Carolina House of Representatives, where she has served as an openly LGBTQ+ representative since 2020. The mother of two is passionate about racial justice and previously worked as a lawyer for death row inmates. Alston continues to represent LGBTQ+ interests in North Carolina.
Marianna Anaya (New Mexico): In another historic win, in the New Mexico House of Representatives, Anaya has become the first openly queer woman of color to represent District 18. She has been a staunch advocate for pro-choice, voting rights, human rights, public education, gender-affirming care along with her broader focus on addressing systemic issues such as poverty, homelessness, and healthcare access.
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.): Norton, a devoted civil rights leader and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, was reelected to serve as a Congressional Delegate in the U.S. House. She has represented D.C. since 1991, focusing on transportation, infrastructure, and the economy.
A number of pro-LGBTQ candidates claimed victory in D.C. City Council elections. Two incumbents, Council Member Brooke Pinto (Ward 2) and Council Member Janeese Lewis George (Ward 4), ran unopposed and were reelected. Newcomer Council Member Wendel Felder (Ward 7) blew his Republican challenger out of the water, taking 94 percent of the vote. Allister Chang, an openly gay member of the D.C. State Board of Education, was reelected to his board seat in Ward 2.
These victories reflect a powerful step forward for LGBTQ+ representation, especially in regions where anti-LGBTQ legislation has been prevalent. Each of these leaders will bring invaluable perspectives and advocate fiercely for equality, justice, and inclusion.
