LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

When We Run: the latest report from LGBTQ+ Victory Institute & Loyola Marymount University

Today, Victory Institute and Loyola Marymount University released When We Run, the largest ever survey of LGBTQ+ candidates for public office in the U.S. This groundbreaking survey asked LGBTQ+ candidates to describe their motivations for running, the challenges they faced and how their identities affected their campaigns. Read the full report here!

You can also read Victory Institute President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker's op-ed in USA Today here or watch our launch video here.

Wins in Utah!

We’re adding LGBTQ+ representation in Utah! Last Tuesday, Taylor Knuth won his primary and will advance to the November runoff. If he wins, Taylor will be the first out LGBTQ+ mayor of Ogden and the first person of color elected in Ogden!

Bob Sertner, our candidate for the Park City City Council, also advanced in his race! A long-time producer, Bob will be the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to the Council when he wins in November.

Read: Fabian Nelson Talks History – And What Comes Next

Spotlight candidate Fabian Nelson isn’t done earning headlines. He spoke to The New York Times about his victory – and what it meant to be an out candidate on the campaign trail in the Mississippi Delta. Read his full interview here!

Next Up: September 9 Primaries!

Keep an eye out for more exciting election results: we have more candidates on the ballot next Tuesday! LGBTQ+ candidates in Boston (MA), Medford (MA), Lakewood (OH), New Haven (CT) and Charlotte (NC) are running to add essential representation to local government.

In Medford, Jaclyn Roth is aiming to be the first out lesbian elected to the Medford City Council! Learn more about her campaign and plans for Medford here.

LaWana Mayfield made history in 2022 when she became the first out LGBTQ+ person ever elected citywide in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, she’s back on the ballot and still fighting the good fight. Read up on her campaign and policy plans here!

Tennessee runoffs: Next Thursday on September 14!

Right after our September 9th elections wrap up, we’ll have more to track! The Tennessee runoffs are next Thursday, and Victory Fund endorsed candidates like Olivia Hill, Eric Patton and John Reed are all ready to win.

Eric, who’s running for District 11 on the Nashville Metro Council, issued a statement condemning his opponent’s homophobic mailer. Nashville’s LGBTQ+ community has rallied around Eric! Watch Eric’s full response video here.