Another Rainbow Wave Is Coming
Queer candidates are running in record numbers to defend our rights.
LGBTQ+ Americans are facing turbulent times as our hard-fought rights face renewed threat from political leaders at all levels of government who are attempting to roll back protections when it comes to discrimination in healthcare, education, and even family recognition. But rather than accept this regression, queer people are taking matters into their own hands and running for office in unprecedented numbers.
According to a July 2025 email from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, at least 196 LGBTQ+ individuals have already declared their candidacies across the country in 2025, with many more expected to join the field before the year is over. These campaigns are setting the stage for unprecedented and historic victories in both 2025 and 2026. This could be the beginning of a powerful shift toward representation and resilience.
Currently, only 0.26% of all elected officials in the United States identify as LGBTQ+; this is a stark underrepresentation when compared to the percentage of Americans who identify as part of the community.
This gap means that laws and policies impacting LGBTQ+ people are often debated, written, and enacted without the firsthand perspective of those whose lives are most impacted. For minority groups, representation in government is not symbolic—it translates into an informed voice during legislative debates. These groups deserve a seat at the decision-making table and a chance to advance policies that reflect the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
When LGBTQ+ officials hold office, the effect extends beyond policymaking. Their presence itself challenges stereotypes and reshapes public perception. Seeing openly queer or trans leaders in visible positions of power signals to younger generations that they belong in civic life and can assume leadership roles without having to hide their identities. It also forces colleagues and constituents to contend with LGBTQ+ people not as abstract issues but as dedicated public servants embedded in the fabric of American democracy.
The political moment unfolding now suggests that marginalized communities are no longer waiting on others to defend their rights. Instead, they are claiming their own political power. This wave of LGBTQ+ candidates represents not just a quest for fair representation, but a broader demand that the American government reflect the diversity of its people. If successful, these candidacies will not only help safeguard hard-won rights but also foster a more inclusive democracy that serves the interests of all.
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