There will be a record 678 openly LGBTQ+ candidates on the ballot paper at the US midterm elections this November.
It marks an 18.1% increase from the 2020 general election, according to a report by the political action committee LGBTQ Victory Fund.
A total of 1,065 out LGBTQ+ candidates ran primary campaigns, with the almost 700 appearing on the ballot next month mostly being Democrats.
“Voters are sick and tired of the relentless attacks lobbed against the LGBTQ community this year,” said Annise Parker, the president and chief executive of the Victory Fund and former mayor of Houston. “Bigots want us to stay home and stay quiet, but their attacks are backfiring and instead have motivated a new wave of LGBTQ leaders to run for office.”
The historic first comes amid a spike in anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States.
More than 340 have been introduced this year alone, the Human Rights Campaign reported.
Since 2018, the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed in state legislatures has steadily increased – and 2022 has been no exception.
This year alone, we’ve tracked more than 340 anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) August 23, 2022
This largely includes measures that would see trans athletes restricted from competing on the sporting teams that align with their gender identity, as well as limiting access to gender-affirming care and limiting discussions around LGBTQ+ issues in schools.
Some of those running for office will also have the opportunity to make history of their own, should they win.
For example, if Becca Balint emerges victorious in Vermont, she will be both the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from the state.
Additionally, the gubernatorial candidates of Massachusetts and Oregon, Maura Healey and Tina Kotek, are trying to become the country’s first out lesbian governors.
The 2022 United States elections are set to be held on 8 November 2022.
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