You should feel proud today.
Overall, last night was a strong rebuke of discrimination and hatred and a celebration of what makes this nation strong: our diversity.
All across the nation we elected more LGBTQ people, women, and people of color than ever with the highest midterm turnout in decades!
Please join us in celebrating these victories and help us move forward by donating today.
Massachusetts voters said yes to fairness and opportunity for transgender people and their families in a historic first for the nation. Colorado elected the nation’s first gay Governor Jared Polis. Oregon re-elected their bisexual governor Kate Brown. Kansas sent a lesbian Native American, Sharice Davids, to Congress. Wisconsin sent Tammy Baldwin, the first openly lesbian member of congress, back for another term. We will have our first Muslim women in Congress with Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
There were even more local victories to celebrate, including some very dear to us. Our own Director of Leadership Diana González won reelection to the Vermont House of Representatives. Sara Burlingame of Wyoming Equality won her race to represent the 44th District of her state. Matt Moonen of Equality Maine won reelection to the state house unopposed. North Dakota Human Rights Coalition’s board chair Ruth Buffalo was elected to state house. And, former Equality North Carolina board member John Arrowood won a Court of Appeals seat becoming the first out person elected to statewide judicial office in the South!
Despite these victories, our eyes must remain open and clear to the very real threats of voter suppression and racist sentiments, which no doubt played a role in halting the momentum of Stacey Abrams, Andrew Gillum, and other candidates.
Our sleeves are still rolled up. Heading into 2020, with your support, Equality Federation will double down on our efforts to reach and engage voters and win equality!
Rebecca Isaacs
