Queer Candidates Rising: Changing the Face of American Politics in 2024

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, LGBTQ+ representation in politics is taking center stage like never before. With 139 LGBTQ+ candidates running for office, endorsed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund, this cycle marks a pivotal moment for both the queer community and the broader democratic process. These candidates bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the forefront, driving crucial conversations about equality, justice, and the future of marginalized communities. Their presence is not just symbolic—it reflects a deeper shift toward a more inclusive political landscape that mirrors the evolving social fabric of the country.

Breaking Barriers with Representation

The 2024 election is an important milestone in a long-fought battle for political inclusion. LGBTQ+ candidates, such as Sarah McBride, who is vying to become the first transgender member of Congress, are stepping forward to represent communities that have historically been marginalized or ignored in the political sphere¹​ ². McBride’s candidacy, as well as others like Malcolm Kenyatta running for Pennsylvania Auditor General^{3 4}, signals that queer individuals are not only participating but are influencing key policy debates on healthcare, civil rights, and economic justice.^{5 6}

This influx of LGBTQ+ candidates isn’t just about increasing representation in numbers. It’s about bringing voices to the table that can speak to the lived realities of queer people. Lisa Middleton, a transgender candidate for California State Senate, and Rosemary Ketchum, the first trans woman elected in West Virginia, are powerful examples of how LGBTQ+ politicians are paving the way for future generations​.

Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights in a Hostile Climate

While the rise of LGBTQ+ candidates is encouraging, it is happening against a backdrop of growing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment across the country. From bans on gender-affirming care to attacks on transgender participation in sports, the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are under threat in many states. In Texas, where some of the most restrictive anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been passed, Julie Johnson is running for Congress on a platform that includes staunch opposition to these measures. Johnson’s candidacy is a critical part of the fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights and to push back against legislation that seeks to erase or criminalize queer existence⁷ .

Similarly, in Utah, Dustin Gettel, running for Salt Lake County Council, has a campaign proves that LGBTQ+ candidates aren’t just focused on queer rights—they’re leading efforts on affordable housing and justice for the unhoused, fighting for all marginalized communities⁸​ ⁹.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Queer Leaders

The visibility of LGBTQ+ candidates in 2024 sends a powerful message to queer youth: your identity is not a barrier to leadership. For many young people, especially in conservative or rural areas, the presence of openly LGBTQ+ politicians like Sarah McBride, Malcolm Kenyatta, and Rosemary Ketchum provides hope and validation. These candidates show that it is possible to pursue a career in public service while being true to one’s identity and ideals.

In a time when queer youth are often targeted by discriminatory policies, the success of LGBTQ+ candidates offers a counter-narrative. It tells young people that they have a place in shaping the future, not just for their own community but for society as a whole. These candidates are living proof that being queer is not a limitation but a unique perspective that can enhance leadership and drive change.

A Reflective and Inclusive Democracy

The rise of LGBTQ+ candidates in 2024 marks a step toward a more reflective democracy—one that mirrors the rich diversity of its citizens. When political institutions are inclusive and representative, they are better equipped to address the challenges and needs of all people, not just the privileged few. LGBTQ+ candidates bring essential perspectives to issues ranging from economic inequality to climate change, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.

As these candidates break barriers and shatter stereotypes, they are building a future where LGBTQ+ people are not just included in the political process—they are leading it. Their campaigns are not just about winning elections; they are about transforming the landscape of public service so that it is open, inclusive, and just. This development is a welcome and necessary step toward creating a government that truly reflects the people it serves.

1. https://queerpress.org/app/3779/ ↩︎
2. https://victoryfund.org/news/lgbtq-victory-fund-endorses-57-more-out-candidates-for-2024-races/ ↩︎
3. https://whyy.org/articles/malcolm-kenyatta-pennsylvania-auditor-general-primary-election-2024/ ↩︎
4. https://keystonenewsroom.com/2023/03/13/state-rep-malcolm-kenyatta-to-run-for-auditor-general-in-2024/ ↩︎
5. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/09/11/sarah-mcbride-wins-democratic-primary-poised-to-make-history/ ↩︎
6. https://thepoliticswatcher.com/pages/articles/congress/2024/8/20/breaking-barriers-rise-sarah-mcbride-american-politics ↩︎
7. https://victoryfund.org/news/julie-johnson-wins-u-s-house-primary-could-be-first-lgbtq-representative-from-the-south/ ↩︎
8. https://queerpress.org/app/3779/ ↩︎
9. https://newsisout.com/2024/01/11-lgbtq-candidates-to-watch-in-2024/22603/ ↩︎