A new report from the LGBTQ+ political organization LGBTQ+ Victory Fund says that the number of out LGBTQ+ candidates running for office in 2024 is higher than 2020 and the field is more diverse than ever. LGBTQ+ community members are running for office in every state except Nebraska.
1,017 LGBTQ+ candidates are running in 2024, a 1.1% increase from the 2020 election year. However, this is a decrease from 2022. The report says the number of candidates running is affected by the number of positions up for election each year.
The pool of 1,017 candidates are more diverse in terms of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. 38% of the candidates are people of color, up from previous elections. 15% of the candidates are not cisgender, almost double the number from 2020. And for the first time less than 50% of the candidates identify as gay.
While the number of bisexual+ and asexual candidates increased, lesbians saw a large drop in representation, dropping from 27% in 2020, to 16% in 2024.
Among these candidates are several running for historic firsts. On a federal level this includes Sarah McBride (DE) running to become the first trans member of Congress, Emily Randall (WA) to be the first queer Latina in Congress, and Julie Johnson (TX) to become the first LGBTQ+ person from the South in Congress. There are also several races to watch in state legislatures with potential historic firsts.
“We are proud to see so many LGBTQ+ candidates running to serve nearly everywhere in our nation – including nearly 400 candidates for state legislatures,” president & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Annise Parker said. “We know what’s at stake – our rights, freedoms and democracy itself. Out LGBTQ+ candidates for office bring critical values and perspectives to their work in leadership. These candidates represent our nation’s future, reflect our nation’s diversity and show that LGBTQ+ people are vital, instrumental voices in our halls of power.”
