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LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About
Shooting at Daniel Hernández’s Home, All Safe
A shooting occurred on June 12 [[link removed]] , outside the Tucson home that doubles as campaign headquarters for LGBTQ+ candidate Daniel Hernández [[link removed]] , who’s running in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District special election. According to police, a bullet struck a staffer’s car and shell casings were found, but thankfully, no one was harmed [[link removed]] .
Daniel emphasized in a campaign statement that he, his family, and his team are all safe. He condemned the incident as “deeply unsettling,” [[link removed]] but made clear that this won’t slow him down: he’s safe, unharmed, and hard at work on the campaign trail [[link removed]] . Early voting has started in the District as well [[link removed]] !
SCOTUS Affirms Tennessee Bill, Blocks Gender-Affirming Care
In a devastating decision this week, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth to remain in effect [[link removed]] , marking the Court’s most significant move yet in the ongoing assault on trans rights and bodily autonomy [[link removed]] . The law prohibits doctors from providing medically necessary care to trans minors, even with parental consent [[link removed]] . The Court's ruling in United States v. Skrmetti not only upholds this cruel ban [[link removed]] , but opens the door for more states to pass similar laws [[link removed]] . Hundreds of thousands of trans youth will be impacted [[link removed]] .
The SCOTUS ruling also came together with breaking news that the Trump Administration is shutting down the national LGBTQ+ youth suicide lifeline [[link removed]] , created from legislation passed during the first Trump Administration in conjunction with the Trevor Project [[link removed]] .
This ruling is a reminder: we cannot count on the courts to protect us. Anti-equality extremists are intentionally pushing these cases forward, hoping to chip away at our rights one decision at a time. We must meet this moment with urgency by electing LGBTQ+ leaders who will fight back; who will block hate-fueled legislation in statehouses and pass laws that affirm and protect our community.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is doing exactly that: working every day to elect pro-equality LGBTQ+ candidates across the country.
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Big Wins in Virginia!
In the June 17 primary, Lindsey Dougherty pulled off a hard-fought win in HD‑75, defeating two rivals and earning a spot in the November general [[link removed]] , where she'll face incumbent Republican Carrie Coyner in what’s expected to be another tight race [[link removed]] .
Joshua Cole, who reclaimed the 65th District in 2023, emerged from the primary and now braces for a challenging general election in a competitive swing seat [[link removed]] .
Meanwhile, out LGBTQ+ Democratic candidates Laura Jane Cohen, Rozia Henson, Adele McClure, and Mark Sickles all won their primaries. These incumbent candidates are not expected to have competitive elections in November, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on all our Virginia races.
Next Up: New York!
While the City’s June 24 primary has been dominated by headlines around the mayoral race, there’s also a significant LGBTQ+ presence down the ballot [[link removed]] , especially in contests for Manhattan Borough President and City Council!
Brad Hoylman ‑Sigal , the out gay State Senator, is running in the primary for Manhattan Borough President [[link removed]] . A long‑time advocate for progressive causes, he has authored over 350 bills spanning tenant protections, LGBTQ+ rights (including GENDA and banning conversion therapy), gun safety, and mental‑health initiatives. He’s campaigning on affordable housing, public safety, education, and climate resilience, earning endorsements from former borough presidents and justice advocates [[link removed]] .
In Bronx–East Harlem City Council District 8, Clarisa Alayeto is vying for an open seat. As chair of Bronx Community Board 1 and an Afro‑Latina raised in NYCHA housing [[link removed]] , she brings deep local roots and community organizing experience [[link removed]] . Alayeto has prioritized affordable housing, sanitation, gun violence prevention, and public health [[link removed]] , and recently overcame a legal challenge to remain on the ballot [[link removed]] .
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History in San Antonio: Gina Ortiz Jones Sworn in!
Gina Ortiz Jones was officially sworn in on June 18 [[link removed]] as the new mayor of San Antonio [[link removed]] , making history as the first out lesbian mayor of the city and the third woman ever to hold the office [[link removed]] .
In attendance at the ceremony was Victory Fund President & CEO Evan Low, who traveled to San Antonio to celebrate this milestone alongside Jones and the local LGBTQ+ community [[link removed]] !
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LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is the political arm of the LGBTQ+ community. Since our founding in 1991, we’ve supported and elected LGBTQ+ candidates like U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Governors Maura Healey, Tina Kotek and Jared Polis and thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates around the country. We’re proud to be the only national organization endorsing pro-equality and pro-choice LGBTQ+ candidates in the United States. We’ve shattered rainbow ceilings in all 50 states and broken election records. Meet our latest endorsements here! [[link removed]] We’ve shattered rainbow ceilings in all 50 states and broken election records. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today! [[link removed]]
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