Pro-LGBTQ+ Candidates Rack Up Big Wins Across The Nation
In key mayoral and gubernatorial races, candidates with pro-LGBTQ+ platforms bested Republican opposition.
Featured Image: Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images
The Democratic Party saw decisive victories in key races last night, including mayor in New York City, governor in New Jersey and Virginia, and even in a historic local Pennsylvania election, resulting in the state’s first openly trans mayor. These newly elected officials—Zohran Mamdani, Mikie Sherrill, Abigail Spanberger, and Erica Deuso—won with platforms that embraced and stood behind the LGBTQ+ community.
Zohran Mamdani – Mayor of New York City
Mayor-elect Mamdani’s campaign promised protections for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers through the expansion and protection of gender affirming care, sanctuary protections and the creation of an Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs. “Here, we believe in standing up for those we love. Whether you are an immigrant, a member of the trans community, one of the many Black women that Donald Trump has fired from a federal job, a single mom still waiting for the cost of groceries to go down, or anyone else with their back against the wall, your struggle is ours too,” Mamdani said in his speech following his historic win.
In his time as a member of the New York State Assembly, Mamdani proved himself to be an ally of the queer community. Throughout his time, he fought for the repeal of the “Walking While Trans” law, cosponsored the Gender Recognition Act, which made it easier to change one’s gender on official documents, supported New York’s shield law, and advocated for a proposition that closed loopholes allowing for discriminatory policies.
Related: Zohran Mamdani’s New NYC Mayoral Ad Pays Tribute To Sylvia Rivera And Calls For LGBTQ+ Justice
In May, Mamdani hosted a Trans Community Town Hall and launched his plan for protecting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. “Queer and trans people across the United States are facing an increasingly hostile political environment. New York City must be a refuge for LGBTQIA+ people, but private institutions in our own city have already started capitulating to Trumpʼs assault on trans rights,” he wrote on social media. In October, he released an ad dedicated to the trans activist Sylvia Rivera and once again pledged his commitment to protecting trans New Yorkers.
Mikie Sherrill – Governor of New Jersey
In an impressive victory over Jack Ciattarelli, Mikie Sherrill became the first female Democratic governor in New Jersey history. With a staunchly anti-Trump campaign, Sherrill ran with a moderate platform prioritizing cost-of-living concerns and leaning into her Navy background.
When her opponent’s history of voting against legalizing same-sex marriage and opposition to New Jersey laws regarding LGBTQ+ education came to light, Sherrill tweeted, “In 2012, Assemblyman @Jack4NJ voted against same-sex marriage. On October 21, 2013, 12 years ago today, gay marriage was legally recognized by the courts. Just a few days ago, @Jack4NJ’s campaign publicly stated its desire to ban same-sex marriage again. Not on my watch.”
Related: Republican Jack Ciattarelli Can’t Outrun His LGBTQ Record In The New Jersey Governor’s Race
Throughout her time in Congress, Sherrill has stood alongside the LGBTQ+ community, co-sponsoring and voting for the Equality Act, voting for the Respect for Marriage Act, standing behind LGBTQ+ military personnel, and supporting legislation to end conversion therapy and expand HIV prevention.
Abigail Spanberger – Governor of Virginia
As the first woman elected to be governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger won by the largest margin of any Democratic candidate in Virginia in decades. Spanberger ran a focused campaign on jobs and the cost of living while vowing to protect abortion rights and criticizing the Trump Administration’s treatment of federal workers, over 300,000 of whom are Virginians.
Spanberger’s opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears, ran a staunchly anti-trans campaign, even accusing Spanberger of backing policies that are a threat to girls’ safety in school bathrooms and locker rooms. During the Virginia Gubernatorial Debate, Earle-Sears claimed that her support for firing someone for being gay and her opposition to same-sex marriage are “not discriminatory.”
“Virginia families deserve better than a leader who refuses to protect their rights under the law. The Lieutenant Governor last night showed Virginians that she is more focused on dividing people than solving problems,” Spanberger said in a statement. “Virginia families deserve to live freely without the worry that their Governor might roll back their rights.”
During her time in Congress, Spanberger voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, co-sponsored and voted for the Equality Act, and has promised to safeguard marriage equality and fight against discrimination.
Erica Deuso – Mayor of Downingtown, PA
Erica Deuso defeated Republican Richard Bryant to become Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor. Deuso’s campaign focused on housing affordability, domestic violence, and combating teen suicide, not her trans identity.
“Being elected as Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor is deeply meaningful, and I carry that responsibility with pride and humility. I hope it reminds anyone who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated that your voice matters, and that you belong in the room where decisions are made.” Deuso said via social media.
“With Erica Deuso’s election, Downingtown has made history—and sent a message far beyond Pennsylvania. As one of the few out transgender mayors selected in America, Erica’s leadership will inspire trans youth across the country who are looking for hope in a time of relentless attacks. Her victory proves that when we lead with authenticity, empathy, and vision, communities respond with trust and support,” said Evan Low, President & CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
