LPAC Endorses 12 Congressional, State and Local History-Making Candidates
Washington, D.C. –Today, LPAC, the nation’s only organization dedicated to advancing the political representation of LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary candidates, endorsed 12 out LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary candidates for Congressional, state and local offices. This inspiring group of dynamic leaders includes community organizers, a Guinness Record-holding artist, a former Kamala Harris strategist, abortion rights advocates, and more.
Many of these candidates are trailblazers. Deja Foxx would be the youngest member of Congress since 1839, and Vance Ahrens would be Florida’s first openly transgender State Senator. Liliana Bakhtiari is the first out queer Muslim elected official in the state of Georgia. Gabriela Santiago-Romero is the first LGBTQ+ woman to serve as a Detroit council member.
“LPAC is proud to endorse these 12 incredible LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary candidates who are driving change and fighting for progress,” said Janelle Perez, Executive Director of LPAC. “It’s not easy to be out in politics, especially in red states. Every time an out LGBTQ+ or nonbinary person wins an election, they leave the door open for others to follow. These leaders are shaping a brighter future by leading the resistance today.”
“I’m fired up to be endorsed by LPAC,” said Deja Foxx. “Their movement for a political environment where queer candidates are empowered and feel safe to pursue office spans more than a decade and has paved the way for women like me to take up bold and authentic leadership. As a Gen Z candidate, I’m stepping up because we're done waiting for change—we’re making it happen. LGBTQ+ youth deserve leaders who don’t just talk, but fight fiercely for our freedom, dignity, and future. I’m ready to bring that fight to Congress, and I'm proud to stand with LPAC in pushing progress forward.”
LPAC endorses the following candidates:
Nebraska
Sändra Washington (she/her), Lincoln City Council, NE (At-Large)
Oregon
Erica Fuller (she/they), Multnomah Education Service District, OR (Position 2)
Florida
Vance Ahrens (she/her), Florida State Senate (District 19)
New York
Kelly Cheatle (she/they), Rochester City Council, NY (At-Large)
Arizona
Deja Foxx (she/her), U.S. House of Representatives, AZ-07
Michigan
Gabriela Santiago-Romero (she/her), Detroit City Council, MI (District 6)
Washington
Alexis Mercedes Rinck (she/her), Seattle City Council, WA (At-Large Position 8)
Georgia
Liliana Bakhtiari (she/they), Atlanta City Council, GA (District 5)
Kelsea Bond (they/them), Atlanta City Council, GA (District 2)
North Carolina
Melissa Easley (she/her), Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board, NC (District 1)
New Mexico
Becky Corran (she/her), Las Cruces City Council, NM (District 5)
Utah
Erika Carlsen (she/any), Salt Lake City Council, UT (District 5)