The return of Donald Trump to the White House is disconcerting. Along with him comes an administration chosen specifically to work directly with the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of our government to achieve their conservative goals.
Though there are seats being filled with those on the right that either have anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in mind or are supportive of such measures, there are also seats that have been filled by those who have more positive changes solidly on their agenda.
The 2024 election has down-ballot races that are worthy of celebrating, simply by virtue of being able to establish a strong resistance against anti-LGBTQ+ policies and laws made at the state and local levels. These people not only represent the community, but hold the possibility to initiate grassroots efforts from the places they now sit.
Indeed, the presence of LGBTQ+ lawmakers in offices around the country serve as a reminder that democracy is far from dead and will continue to hold the radical right accountable as we move forward into the future.
Here are some of the winners from this year’s election, who will undoubtedly make a big difference.
Keturah Herron: First Out LGBTQ+ Person of Color Elected to Kentucky State Senate
After previously becoming the first out LGBTQ+ member of Kentucky’s House of Representatives, Keturah Herron was able to cross over to one of Kentucky’s State Senate seats as the first out LGBTQ+ person of color elected to such a position.
Herron was a former policy strategist for the ACLU of Kentucky before going to the state’s Congress, where, in just 17 days, they helped Breonna’s Law get passed, which banned no-knock warrants in Louisville. The year after, Herron worked to extend the ban statewide through the General Assembly. Herron was also instrumental in getting legislation passed pertaining to school safety for children, restoring voting rights and expunging criminal records for non-violent offenders.
Rashaun Kemp: first out gay Black man elected to the Georgia State legislature
While holding the position of senior director at the National Charter Collaborative, an organization that supports charter schools led by people of color, Rashaun Kemp became the first out gay Black man to be elected to the Georgia State Legislature. Kemp has had a lengthy career in education, including being a high school teacher and principal, which then led to him running a state education department. His husband, Ken, is a middle school counselor, and the two are parents to a two-year-old and a 20-year-old.
Sarah McBride: first out trans member of the United States Congress
Upon being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Sarah McBride has become the first-ever out trans member in the United States Congress. McBride pushed through barriers during her time at American University, where she became the first trans person to come out while serving as the student body president. In 2016, she made a speech at the Democratic National Convention, becoming the first trans American to address a major party convention. Four years later, she was elected as a Delaware State Senator, making her the highest-ranked trans elected official at the time.
Molly Cook: first out LGBTQ+ member of the Texas Senate
Because she won reelection to her position as Senator for District 15, Molly Cook maintains her position as the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Texas senate. Cook, who is bisexual, was initially elected through a special election last May, after former Senator John Whitmire resigned to become the mayor of Houston last January, making her the first person aside from Whitmire to hold the seat since 1983. Cook’s victory in the general election means that she is officially senator for the next four years.
Emily Randall: first out LGBTQ+ Latina in U.S. Congress
After taking on a previous role as a community organizer, Emily Randall campaigned for the Washington State Senate and won in 2019, making her one of the first out lesbians in the state’s legislature. As of 2024’s race, Randall is ascending to the federal level, taking an open House seat in Washington’s Sixth District, making her the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina member of Congress.