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LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About
Victory Fund Candidates Grab the First Wins of 2026
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund candidates are already racking up victories in Virginia and Oklahoma — and the year has barely begun.
Kirk McPike is officially Delegate-elect McPike after winning his February 10 special election in a landslide. He currently serves as Chief of Staff to Congressman Mark Takano and has earned multiple Victory Fund endorsements. He’ll be sworn in on February 18, bringing another strong pro-equality voice to Richmond.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Helen Grant has secured reelection to the Norman City Council — maintaining their role as the only out nonbinary elected official in the entire state. They won with over 60% of the vote, a decisive show of community support and a huge moment for representation.
With more than 80 endorsed candidates already in the 2026 cycle, and more on the way, the momentum is real — and building.
Everton Blair Makes Waves in GA‑13
Dr. Everton Blair — educator, equity advocate, and former Gwinnett County Board of Education member — is gaining major traction in his history-making run to become the first out Black LGBTQ+ member of Congress from the South.
Blair is leading the fundraising field, outraising both fellow challengers and the incumbent.
His campaign centers on protecting Georgia’s youth, boosting education funding, and being a reliable, community-rooted voice — and voters are responding.
Kansas Appoints its Second Out Trans Legislator
Kansas has welcomed Rep. Abi Boatman, an Air Force veteran appointed to represent the state’s 86th District — and she’s already making her mark.
Boatman immediately spoke out against a pair of anti-trans bills, calling them a “waste of time” when Kansas communities desperately need to focus on schools and Medicare access. She told the Topeka Capitol Journal she’s fighting for the issues that actually matter to Kansas families.
Her appointment marks just the second time in Kansas history that an out trans legislator is serving — and she’s leading with clarity and courage from day one.
“The leaders we elect at the state and local level today are the members of Congress and senators of tomorrow.”
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Vice President of Political Programs Daniel Hernandez spoke with LGBTQ+ media about the path to the 2026 midterms — emphasizing why building power at the local and state levels is essential for long-term national change.
His interviews with the Washington Blade and Bay Area Reporter underline the urgent need to support down-ballot candidates now to fuel the next generation of pro-equality congressional leaders.
Join Us and Build LGBTQ+ Political Power
Signature Brunch events are back — and bigger than ever.
Register now for San Diego and Washington, DC events:
Registration for the Houston Brunch on June 14 is coming soon.
This year’s featured speaker in San Diego will be Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, with more special guests to be announced. Expect new venues, energized programs, and powerful stories from across the LGBTQ+ political movement.
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