Rainbow Wave: Record number of LGBTQ candidates win
The so-called ‘Rainbow Wave’ is beating back the anticipated ‘Red Tsunami’ as a record number of LGBTQ candidates win their elections.
At least 340 out LGBTQ candidates running in the 2022 midterms have won their elections as of Wednesday morning, the most in U.S. history and surpassing the previous record of 336 set in 2020.
More victories are expected in the coming days. At least 1,065 out LGBTQ people ran for office this year – a historic number. To reach equitable representation, the U.S. must elect over 35,000 more out LGBTQ people to office, according to LGBTQ Victory Institute.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement:
“Bigots tried their best to undermine our political power – but their hate backfired and motivated more LGBTQ people to run and win than ever before. Tonight’s Rainbow Wave is a clear rebuke to the increased homophobia and transphobia sweeping our communities – and proves voters want to elect qualified LGBTQ leaders. With so much at stake this election, from the future of marriage equality to abortion, LGBTQ candidates’ grit and exceptional grassroots support is paying off.”
Winning candidates so far include:
- Maura Healey, the first lesbian governor ever elected
- Becca Balint, the first woman and first LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Vermont
- James Roesener, the first trans man ever elected to a state legislature in U.S. history
Victory Fund is tracking Election Night results, follow now at victoryfund.org/2022.
