While all eyes have been fixated on the contentious presidential race, several other elections across the country have the potential to make history.
During Tuesday’s election, more than 600 out LGBTQ+ candidates will appear on ballots, according to the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. As reported by The Advocate, these key races will range from the U.S. Senate to state houses, with some potentially electing the first openly LGBTQ representatives to these positions.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis) became the nation’s first openly LGBTQ senator in 2012. Previously, she was the first openly gay woman elected to Congress in 1998. This year, she’s running for her third term against Republican multi-millionaire Eric Hovde. This race has drawn national attention due to Hovde’s attack ads against Baldwin, which focus on her sexual orientation and her partner. The Cook Political Report is calling the race a “toss up” as we head into election day, according to CBS News.
Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride (D) could be making history this election as she fights to become the first openly transgender member of Congress. She became the first out trans state senator, effectively becoming the highest ranking trans lawmaker in U.S. history, in 2020. Now, she’s facing off against Republican John Whalen III for Delaware’s sole seat in the House. Democrats have held the state’s seat since 2011, and McBride is a favorite to win.
Washington State Senator Emily Randall (D) is vying to become the first out LGBTQ Latina in Congress. She’s in the running from the state’s Sixth Congressional District, which has elected a Democrat for the past six decades. If she succeeds, she will also become the first woman elected in the district’s 90 year history, according to the Kitsap Sun. Randall is seen as the “heavy frontrunner” against Republican Drew MacEwen.
U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D) became the first out LGBTQ member of Congress in her state of Minnesota in 2019. She is also the first lesbian mother to be elected to her seat. Craig quickly made a name for herself in the House for opposing anti-LGBTQ policies. For her fourth term, she is facing off against Republican Joe Teirab in what the Associated Press is calling the state’s “tightest congressional race.”
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D) of Illinois is the first openly gay member of Congress. The former meterologist was elected in 2023. CBS News reports the seat has been in democratic hands since 2013. The Cook Political Report shows the race is leaning democratic again, as Sorensen takes on Republican Joe McGraw.
California’s Lisa Middleton, Iowa’s Aime Wichtendahl, and Florida’s Ashley Brundage are all vying to become their states’ first out trans legislators this year.
View the hundreds of other out LGBTQ+ candidates at the LGBTQ Victory Fund.
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