Celebrating Historic Wins for LPAC-Endorsed LGBTQ+ Candidates in Super Tuesday Primaries

LPAC, the nation's leading organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary candidates to public office, proudly announces the outstanding victories of 67% of endorsed candidates in yesterday’s Super Tuesday primary races, with some races still too close to call. These wins mark a significant stride towards greater representation and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community within various levels of government.

"We are thrilled to witness such a monumental moment for LGBTQ+ representation in politics. Each of these candidates has shown unwavering commitment to not only advancing the rights and voices of the LGBTQ+ community but also to addressing the critical issues facing all constituents,” Executive Director Janelle Perez commented. “Their wins yesterday are not just personal achievements but victories for all who believe in equality, justice, and the importance of diverse voices in leadership.”

Winners listed include candidates who will advance to primary runoff or general election races.

Federal:

  • Julie Johnson, Texas Congressional District 32 (Advances to general)

  • Jennifer Tran, California Congressional District 12 (Advances to general) 

California State Senate:

  • Lisa Middleton, District 19 (Advances to general) 

  • Sabrina Cervantes, District 31 (Advances to general) 

  • Sasha Renée Pérez, District 25 (Advances to general) 

  • Marisol Rubio, District 9 (Advances to general) 

California State Assembly:

  • Christy Holstege, District 47 (Advances to general) 

  • Sade Elhawary, District 57 (Advances to general) 

California Local:

  • April Van Dyke, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge

  • Monica Martinez, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors (Advances to general) 

  • Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Advances to general) 

  • Angela Normand, Alameda County Board of Education

Texas State Senate:

  • Molly Cook, District 15 (Advances to runoff) 

Texas House of Representatives:

  • Josey Garcia, District 124 (Advances to general) 

  • Jessica Gonzalez, District 104 (Advances to general)

  • Ann Johnson, District 134 (Advances to general) 

  • Lauren Ashley Simmons, District 146 (Advances to runoff) 

  • Erin Zweiner, District 134 (Advances to general) 

Texas Local:

  • Lupe Valdez, Dallas County Sheriff (Advances to runoff) 

  • Deirdre Hisler, Presidio County Commission (Advances to runoff) 

  • Celia Israel, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector (Advances to general) 

North Carolina State Senate:

  • Lisa Grafstein District 13  (Advances to general)

North Carolina House of Representatives:

  • Vernetta Alston District  29 (Advances to general) 

  • Allison Dahle District  11 (Advances to general) 

  • Deb Butler District 18  (Advances to general) 

Vermont Local:

  • Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Burlington Mayor

Background: These Super Tuesday victories have been groundbreaking for LGBTQ+ representation:

  • Julie Johnson is poised to become the first LGBTQ+ woman elected to Congress from the South, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

  • Jennifer Tran advanced to the general election for California's 12th congressional district. If elected, she would be the first out LGBTQ+ Asian woman elected to Congress.

  • Molly Cook has the opportunity to become the first out LGBTQ+ person ever elected to the Texas State Senate.

  • Emma Mulvaney-Stanak makes history as the first woman and first LGBTQ+ mayor of Burlington, VT, showcasing the progress toward inclusivity in political leadership.

  • Sade Elhawary, Christy Holstege, Marisol Rubio, and Sasha Renée Pérez have the opportunity to become the first bisexual women elected to the California legislature, highlighting the increasing diversity within the state's political landscape. Clarissa Cervantes, whose race is still too close to call, could also earn this historic distinction.

  • Lupe Valdez advances to the general to reclaim her title as the nation’s first Latina LGBTQ sheriff.

LPAC is proud to support these trailblazers who not only represent the LGBTQ+ community but also embody the commitment to equity, diversity, and justice for all Americans. Their victories underscore the importance of representation and the impact it has on creating a more inclusive society.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the candidates who showed incredible courage and dedication by stepping into the arena but did not achieve the election outcome we hoped for. Running for public office is a significant and challenging endeavor. Their willingness to represent and fight for the LGBTQ+ community and broader issues of equity and justice is immensely valued. LPAC is committed to supporting their journey and efforts toward a more representative democracy as we work toward enhancing LGBTQ+ representation in all levels of government.

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Matt Fouracre