US voted 220 LGBTQ candidates into office on November 3 election day

A record number of 1,006 openly LGBTQ candidates had contested for various posts in the November election cycle in the United States of America, of whom more than 220 emerged victorious, reported digital media outlet NBC news.

The report had also stated that 574 LGBTQ candidates had appeared in the general election ballot on November 3.

Of the 574 who ran for office, a NBC news report stated more than 220 candidates had claimed victory, with a few dozen contests yet to be called. In the 2018 midterm election, 432 LGBTQ candidates had submitted their candidature with 244 emerging victorious.  Media reports suggest that in the election cycle of 2020, the tally of 244 LGBTQ set in 2018 will be overtaken.

26 openly LGBTQ candidates contested in the US Senate or House elections this year, as per NBC News report. 

The report adds that two new LGBTQ candidates were elected to the House and stated that if all incumbents were to retain their seats, LGBTQ representation in the House would increase to nine, with a total of 11 LGBTQ people in Congress.

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Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres, both Democrats, were elected to the Congress on November 3, scripting history by becoming the first openly gay Black candidates.

Six of the seven LGBTQ candidates, serving in the US House and seeking reelection on November 3 had emerged victorious after receiving the popular mandate. Democrats David Cicilline, Chris Pappas, Mark Pocan, Angie Craig, Mark Takano, Sharice Davids, all won their re-election bid on November 3.

Ahead of election day, the Victory fund had stated “at least 1,006 openly LGBTQ people ran or are running for office in 2020- the most in history-and a 41% jump since the midterm election in 2018, when 716 openly LGBTQ candidates ran.”

The fund further reported that among its 1006 LGBTQ candidates, 31% identified as people of colour, it added that California, Texas and Florida fielded the greatest number of LGBTQ candidates. It also added that 90% of queer candidates had filed their candidature from the Democratic party.

Also Read: Amidst all the frenzy, US congressional election delivers historic firsts

Sarah McBride’s election win on November 3, also ensured the election of first transgender person to any state Senate in the US. Among other key winners, Shervin Jones of Florida, became the first LGBTQ state senator to be elected to office.   

The states of Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee all elected their first LGBTQ state legislators on November 3.