President Biden’s reelection campaign is taking on a new challenge: bringing young queer voters out to the polls.
Today, the campaign announced the “Out For Biden-Harris” program to highlight their focus on the queer community and mobilize the demographic of voters.
The initiative includes virtual organizing calls with figures including actor Wilson Cruz and out U.S. Representative Robert Garcia, as well as organizing training for volunteers. There will be a series of “Out For Biden-Harris” events in key swing states.
In 2020, nearly 11,000 LGBTQ+ voters volunteered with the campaign, according to The Hill. The campaign is hoping reengage those supporters, but it may not be so easy.
Many young queer voters have been displeased with Biden’s handling of the war on Gaza. A New York Times/Siena poll from December shows 55% of respondents ages 18-29 oppose the United States sending more aid to Israel.
Protesters are using their vote at the ballot to reflect this. On Super Tuesday, some democrats in Minnesota, Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Tennessee voted ‘uncommitted’. In Michigan last month, over 100,000 people, or 13% of voters, staged a similar protest during the Democratic primary.
A loss of LGBTQ+ voters could be detrimental to the Biden-Harris campaign. In 2020, queer voters are likely the reason Biden won the presidency over Donald Trump by playing a decisive role in swing states.Had LGBTQ+ voters stayed home, Trump likely would have won the election, according to the Washington Post. The National Exit Poll reported 64% of LGBTQ+ voters supported Biden.
The reelection campaign argues it is the most pro-LGBTQ+ administration in history, siting endorsements from prominent queer groups such as The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the National Center for Transgender Equality.
“LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency and the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration is needed now more than ever,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson following their endorsement in October.
Equality North Carolina PAC, Fair Wisconsin, Delaware Stonewall PAC, and the Center for Black Equity Political Action Fund have endorsed the “Out For Biden-Harris” initiative.
