LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Election Day is Next Tuesday

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LIVE: Out on the Trail!

Did you see the headlines? Victory Fund dropped our latest report, Out on the Trail, this week! This exclusive report details the numbers and demographics of LGBTQ+ candidates who ran or are running for office during the 2024 election cycle. You can check out the full report here!

LGBTQ+ candidates are more diverse than ever before, ensuring a variety of voices and perspectives will enter the halls of political power after Election Day. And excitingly, LGBTQ+ candidates are stepping up to run in almost all of the U.S. states and several territories, including places with historically little representation, like Kentucky, Arizona and New Mexico.

And after another high year with record-high anti-LGBTQ legislation, we’ll need their voices in office. LGBTQ+ voters and candidates are standing to protect our rights!

Meet all Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates here (and lend them your support today)!

More Anti-Trans Ad Rock the Airways, LGBTQ+ Candidates Fight Back

As the saying goes, “So Goes Wisconsin, So Goes the Nation” – and the sheer volume of anti-trans ads reflects the desperation bigots are feeling in this state. LGBTQ+ candidates up and down the ballot, including U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Wisconsin Assembly candidate Ryan Spaude, have faced targeted attack ads in the lead-up to the election.

But LGBTQ+ candidates around the country are speaking out against this hate. GRACE, led by Victory Fund endorsed candidate and Executive Director of GRACE Jennifer Williams, has launched a series of advertisements focusing on trans kids and their families, highlighting the negative impact anti-trans ads and bills have on everyday lives.

In Minnesota, Victory Fund candidate Leigh Finke continues to speak out in defense of both trans lives and pro-trans legislation, championing bills like hers that defend trans healthcare.

Meanwhile on the campaign trail, trans candidates are speaking about the issues that matter most to their communities. And that includes saving taxpayer time and money by not entertaining hateful bills.

Will these ads pay off? As Vice President of Political Programs Sean Meloy told The Washington Blade, past ads have “not been effective in winning swing districts, in winning battleground states, or even in conservative states.” And research backs this claim: recent polling shows voters are tired of all the hate.

Malcolm Kenyatta’s Ready to Break Barriers

Fresh from being named one of Politico’s swing-state races to watch, Spotlight candidate Malcolm Kenyatta joined ABC News to talk about his historic campaign for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Malcolm also hit the campaign trail with President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton, announced an endorsement from former President Barack Obama, and launched his final campaign ad!

Evan Low is Ready for Election Day!

Evan Low is ready to win California’s 16th Congressional District, and his new endorsements show that he’s got momentum on his side! California Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed Evan’s campaign, in addition to a slew of Members of Congress and mayors who serve in the district.

Victory Fund President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker joined Evan on the campaign trail this week. As a reminder, Evan advanced in his primary with just five votes! Learn how you can help Evan win here!

Will Rollins Hammers Ken Calvert on Miserable Corruption Record

In one of the nation’s most watched seats for the U.S. House, Victory Fund candidate Will Rollins is keeping his incumbent opponent on his toes. In 2022, Will came very close to flipping this seat and ensuring Palm Springs enjoys LGBTQ+ representation.

Will raised over $3.6 million in the third quarter. He’s using the funding to ensure voters know about incumbent Ken Calvert’s long legacy of bigotry and corruption. Make sure you check out Will’s latest campaign ad here!

Mondaire Jones Highlights Pro-Choice Record and Community Support

New York’s 17th Congressional Race remains too close for comfort, but Mondaire Jones is taking the district by storm in the final days of the campaign. He’s announced endorsements from The Examiner News, spoke with Fox5 about his record and hit the campaign trail with House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries. Show Mondaire your support here!

Lisa Grafstein’s Lone Voice in the Legislature

North Carolina has been home to numerous anti-LGBTQ bills and a violently anti-LGBTQ candidate for governor, but Lisa Grafstein has not been cowed. Her critical seat has just been listed as one of the five out of 50 seats that could drastically change the makeup of the legislature AND she’s announced an endorsement from The News & Observer!

Victory Fund Political Associate Candace Silver hit the campaign trail with Lisa to make sure voters know just how essential this race is. Check out pictures here!

Challenge Accepted: Aime Wichtendahl Tackles Hot Takes, Trans Rights

Aime Wichtendahl could make history this year as the first out trans person ever elected to the Iowa state legislature. After a 2024 legislative session with record highs of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation with 37 bills introduced, Aime’s voice is needed now more than ever! She recently took the Hot Takes Challenge to prove her mettle and talk about trans rights on the campaign trail. Watch the whole interview here!

Ysabel Jurado’s Final Case: Progress, Not Corruption

Spotlight candidate Ysabel Jurado is ready to beat incumbent Kevin De León in this tight race for the Los Angeles City Council. And while Ysabel is earning positive acclaim and continued endorsements, De León is facing an investigation into his campaign donations. Seems like a clear choice for LA, check out Ysabel’s campaign today!