The 2024 Election: A Crucial Moment for LGBTQ+ Rights
The upcoming 2024 election is set to have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights, shaping the landscape for years to come. Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will face off against the Republican ticket led by former President Donald Trump and Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance. Harris and Walz have established themselves as strong allies of the LGBTQ+ community, while Trump and Vance have aligned with Project 2025, a conservative initiative aimed at overhauling the federal government and potentially rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In addition to national campaigns, several states will be voting on key LGBTQ+ issues, including reproductive rights and marriage equality. To navigate the complexities of these ballots and understand the stakes involved, we’ve created a comprehensive guide.
Key Positions on LGBTQ+ Rights: Harris vs. Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris has consistently championed LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for equality and inclusion. In contrast, former President Trump has a track record of endorsing and enacting policies that negatively impact the LGBTQ+ community. A detailed comparison of their positions on various LGBTQ+ issues will shed light on the critical differences between these candidates.
States Voting on Marriage Equality
While same-sex marriage is legally recognized nationwide, some states still have constitutional bans in place. This November, three states will hold votes aimed at removing these outdated bans, presenting a pivotal opportunity for progress.
Registering to Vote: A Guide to Participation in 2024
Voting can pose significant challenges, especially for marginalized groups. Approximately 825,100 transgender adults in the U.S. will be eligible to vote in the 2024 elections, according to a recent study by the Williams Institute. Alarmingly, about 43% (approximately 276,500) of these individuals lack identification documents that accurately reflect their name or gender. As a result, they may encounter barriers when voting in person due to discrepancies between their identification and voter registration information, compounded by restrictive voter ID laws.
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The 2024 election is shaping up to be pivotal for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S., with many candidates running for various offices who support and advocate for the community. Here’s a look at some of the key LGBTQ+ candidates for Congress and judicial offices across the country, highlighting their backgrounds and key issues they are championing.
California
- Robert Garcia (Democrat): Running for reelection in California’s 42nd District, Garcia is the first out LGBTQ+ immigrant in Congress. He focuses on healthcare access, infrastructure, and advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
- Evan Low (Democrat): Running for the U.S. House from California’s 16th District, Low has a history of leadership in civil rights and job creation, and he was the first gay Asian American elected to the Campbell City Council.
Delaware
- Sarah McBride (Democrat): Running for Delaware’s U.S. House seat, McBride could become the first trans person in Congress. She has a history of advocacy and has helped expand Delaware’s social safety net.
Georgia
- Jane Morrison (Nonpartisan): Seeking reelection as a judge on the Fulton County State Court, Morrison was the first out gay judge elected in Georgia and has a strong background in civil rights advocacy.
Kansas
- Sharice Davids (Democrat): Running for reelection in Kansas’ 3rd District, Davids is one of the first two Native American women and the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Kansas, focusing on healthcare and education.
Michigan
- Charissa Huang (Independent): Running for Kent County’s Circuit Court Judge, Huang advocates for civil rights and would be the first out LGBTQ+ judge in Kent County.
- Kerene Moore (Nonpartisan): Running for a judgeship on the Michigan 15th District Court, Moore is a social justice attorney and founder of a pro bono LGBTQ+ advocacy project.
Minnesota
- Angie Craig (Democrat): Running for reelection in the U.S. House, Craig was the first out LGBTQ+ person elected from Minnesota, advocating for affordable housing and healthcare.
New Hampshire
- Chris Pappas (Democrat): Running for a fourth term in the U.S. House, Pappas was the first out LGBTQ+ member elected to Congress from New Hampshire and serves on multiple committees.
New Jersey
- Curtis Bashaw (Republican): Aiming to become the first out Republican elected to the Senate, Bashaw is a pro-choice candidate facing Democrat Andy Kim.
New York
- Mondaire Jones (Democrat): Running for the U.S. House in New York’s 17th District, Jones is one of the first openly gay Black members of Congress, advocating for democracy and LGBTQ+ rights.
North Carolina
- Whit Davis (Democrat): Seeking reelection as a 31st District Court Judge, Davis focuses on juvenile and family court cases and advocates for equality and justice.
South Dakota
- Alicia Mousseau (Democrat): Running for reelection as vice president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Mousseau works to support tribal resources and serves on multiple advisory committees.
Texas
- Selena Alvarenga (Democrat): Running for reelection as the 460th District Court Judge, Alvarenga was the first out LGBTQ+ judge elected in Texas.
- Julie Johnson (Democrat): Running for the U.S. House in Texas’ 32nd District, Johnson made headlines by unseating the author of the Texas Bathroom Bill.
Vermont
- Becca Balint (Democrat): Running for reelection in the U.S. House, Balint was the first out LGBTQ+ person and first woman elected from Vermont, focusing on mental health and affordable housing.
Washington
- Emily Randall (Democrat): Seeking election to the U.S. House from Washington’s Sixth District, Randall is a state senator with a strong record in healthcare and educational equity.
- John Cummings (Nonpartisan): Running for a Pierce County judge position, Cummings aims to be the first out gay man on the Pierce County bench.
Wisconsin
- Tammy Baldwin (Democrat): Running for reelection to the U.S. Senate, Baldwin is the first out LGBTQ+ U.S. Senator and a strong advocate for health care and women’s rights.
- Mark Pocan (Democrat): Seeking reelection in the U.S. House, Pocan chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus and advocates for workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ issues.
This election cycle presents a significant opportunity for LGBTQ+ candidates to influence legislation and protections at both state and federal levels, underscoring the importance of voter engagement and participation in shaping the future of LGBTQ+ rights in America.
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