Pew Research: LGBTQ Representation in the 119th Congress
A Record Number of Openly LGBTQ Lawmakers
The 119th U.S. Congress marks a historic moment for LGBTQ representation, with 13 openly LGBTQ lawmakers serving in office, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. While this number remains unchanged from the previous Congress, it reflects significant progress compared to 2009, when only three openly LGBTQ members held office.
Groundbreaking Newly Elected Members
Among the newly elected officials, Sarah McBride of Delaware has made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress. The House of Representatives also welcomes two other trailblazing figures:
Julie Johnson, the first openly gay member to represent Texas or any Southern state.
Emily Randall, the first Hispanic or Latina LGBTQ member of Congress and the first openly LGBTQ representative from Washington.
Composition of LGBTQ Lawmakers
The 119th Congress includes one senator and 12 House representatives who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender, or queer. Notably, there are no openly bisexual members following Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona’s decision not to seek reelection. As a result, Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, first elected in 2012, remains the Senate’s only LGBTQ member.
All 13 LGBTQ lawmakers are Democrats, consisting of:
Six gay men
Seven women who identify as lesbian, queer, or transgender
Despite these gains, LGBTQ representation in Congress remains below the national average. While LGBTQ lawmakers make up 2.4% of the 533 voting members, LGBTQ+ Americans accounted for 7.6% of the adult population in 2023, according to Gallup surveys.
State-Level LGBTQ Representation Gains
Beyond the federal level, the 2024 elections brought historic wins for LGBTQ representation in state legislatures:
Texas: Molly Cook became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to a full term in the state Senate.
Hawaii, Iowa, and Missouri: Each elected their first openly transgender state legislators.
Georgia and Wisconsin: Elected their first openly gay Black male legislators.
A More Inclusive Future in American Politics
The growing number of LGBTQ lawmakers in political offices reflects shifting societal attitudes and increasing support for diverse leadership. While challenges remain, the election of openly LGBTQ representatives signals progress toward a more inclusive future in American politics.