LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Endorsement Wave Builds for Toni Atkins’ Historic Run for Governor

Toni Atkins, Victory Fund–endorsed candidate for Governor of California, is picking up key endorsements that are building real momentum in her campaign!

Toni’s career has been defined by breaking barriers and delivering results: from her early days as director of clinic services at San Diego’s Womancare Health Center, to serving on the San Diego City Council, to becoming the first woman and first out LGBTQ+ person to lead both the Assembly and the Senate. Now, as she runs for Governor, leaders and organizations across California are lining up to support her vision for an inclusive, forward-looking state!

Learn more about Toni’s campaign and support her here!

Texas Legislature Reconvenes Amid Bitter Redistricting Dispute

Texas lawmakers have returned to the state legislature after a dramatic quorum-breaking walkout, who fled the state to protest redistricting maps that would weaken the political power of Black, Brown, and progressive communities and an anti-trans bill.

Among the leaders at the forefront is Rep. Jolanda Jones, the first Black out LGBTQ+ member of the Texas Legislature and who is now running for the U.S. Congress, who has been outspoken in condemning the plan as a direct attack on voting rights. Jones has emphasized that while leaders may have been forced back under heavy pressure -including police escorts to keep them in chambers - they remain united in their commitment to resist what she has called “racism 101” and to fight for fair representation for all Texans.

Follow along with Jolanda and support her campaign for the U.S. House here!

Victory Fund–Endorsed Robert Garcia Sworn in as House Oversight Chair

California Congressman Robert Garcia, a former Victory Fund–endorsed candidate, was officially sworn in this week as the new chair of the powerful House Oversight Committee by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Garcia, who made history in 2022 as the first out LGBTQ+ immigrant elected to the U.S. House, now steps into a role that will shape major investigations and hold government accountable. His swearing-in celebrates not only his groundbreaking leadership but also the growing impact of LGBTQ+ voices at the highest levels of government. He’s already hit the ground running, applying pressure to the Texas redistricting fight (which California has joined), the Epstein files, and troop deployments to DC.

Quick Hits: The News in a Minute

Daeja Baker, who will be the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Shaler Area School Board, announced endorsements from Run for Something and LPAC!

Jim McGreevey, running to be the next mayor of Jersey City, has raised over $4 million in his campaign! He’ll face 6 other people in the general in November.

Read up on Javier Chavez’s campaign for the Aurora City Council! He’s preparing for the November primary.

Catch Brad Hoylman-Sigal's recent interview with CBS News The Point here! He's laying out his case to be the first out LGBTQ+ Borough President in Manhattan.