The 2018 midterm elections are proving to be a historic night for the LGBTQ community. Over 100 LGBTQ candidates won races across the country; queer people won 8 federal office seats, 86 state office seats, and 34 local office seats. Sharice Davids of Kansas — who saw support from Janelle Monáe — became the first out Native American woman elected to Congress. Colorado elected Jared Polis as Governor, marking him the first openly gay man to win a Governor seat. Minnesota’s Angie Craig and New Hampshire’s Chris Pappas became the first out officials elected to Congress in their respective states.
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The night saw a major win for transgender rights specifically: Massachusetts voters supported Question 3, granting protections to transgender people living in the state. This marks the first time that transgender rights won in a popular vote.
Several LGBTQ politicials were re-elected as well. Bi incumbent Governor Kate Brown of Oregon was re-elected to a new term and incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin will continue to represent Wisconsin as an out U.S. Senator, among others.
“This election is shaping up to be truly historic for LGBTQ candidates and, coupled with the change in leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, shows a rejection of the hate-fueled politics of the Trump Administration that have heartlessly targeted LGBTQ people, women, immigrants, Muslims and all vulnerable populations,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and ceo of GLAAD said. “The new House of Representatives is a critical check against the Trump Administration’s continued abuse of power and a strong signal that acceptance and inclusion are core American values.”
Ellis wasn’t the only influential member of the LGBTQ community to share their thoughts after last night’s elections; celebrities like Monáe, Lauren Jauregui, Laverne Cox and Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness also chimed in. Check out their reactions, and more, below.
At least! Even though I was so insanely disappointed with Florida..disappointed but not surprised…gotta keep having uncomfortable conversations? https://t.co/6UF1XXzfRg
— Lauren Jauregui (@LaurenJauregui) November 7, 2018
Also too, as someone who lives for a dramatic moment, an “aha” moment, a light switch moment, reminding myself of progress is def happening and very seldom is there gigantic windfall moments. We’re getting there, keep talking keep passionate, stay alert.
— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) November 7, 2018
The 1.4 million felons who served their time & last night w the passing of amendment 4 in Florida have their right to vote restored remember who threw them in and threw away the key. So the nail biting Florida elections are going to look very different very soon.
— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) November 7, 2018
The three states that literally made @realDonaldTrump president flipped and voted BLUE. —-2020 let’s go!
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) November 7, 2018
I think it’s time to keep talking about politics.
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) November 7, 2018
Top of the morning family. So much achieved last night. So much history made…Yet so much more to do… keep striving people. Can’t stop now. —-?—— #WakeUpEverybody #BeInspired #DontStop pic.twitter.com/NdJoHegNke
— Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) November 7, 2018
Thank you Massachusetts. So much love and respect for you! #YesOn3 https://t.co/Amuk8czU0F
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) November 7, 2018
100+ women elected to the House. @IlhanMN & @RashidaTlaib are the 1st Muslim women, and @sharicedavids & @Deb4CongressNM are the 1st Native American women in Congress. @jaredpolis is 1st openly gay man elected governor. There is hope for the future. We’re just getting started!
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 7, 2018