LGBTQ+ Election Winners Make History Nationwide

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics News

LAS VEGAS, NV — (November 5, 2025) — Voters across the United States delivered a powerful message at the polls on Nov. 4, turning out in some of the highest numbers seen in a non-federal election year — and with that turnout came a wave of victories for LGBTQ+ candidates and pro-equality allies.

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The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorsed a record-breaking 260+ LGBTQ+ candidates this cycle. As of 10 a.m. today, 66 candidates have already secured wins, with just 22 losses and 186 races still pending — signaling what may be one of the strongest LGBTQ+ election performances in recent history.

From historic firsts to major state-level upsets, Election Night 2025 showcased a growing rejection of anti-LGBTQ+ politics and a renewed commitment to equality, visibility, and representation.

The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorsed a record-breaking 260+ LGBTQ+ candidates this cycle. As of 10 a.m. today, 66 candidates have already secured wins, with just 22 losses and 186 races still pending — signaling what may be one of the strongest LGBTQ+ election performances in recent history.

A Historic First in Pennsylvania: Erica Deuso Elected Mayor

In Downingtown, Pennsylvania, history was made as Erica Deuso became the state’s first openly transgender mayor. Deuso won decisively, drawing record voter turnout in a borough of 9,000 residents.

Her campaign embraced LGBTQ+ visibility while focusing on economic growth, housing affordability, and community unity.

“Voters chose hope, decency, and a vision of community where every neighbor matters,” Deuso said. “This victory isn’t about one person — it’s about choosing progress over fear.”

Deuso pledged to lead with compassion, sustainability, and solutions that strengthen Downingtown for all.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Secures Civil Rights Protections

Voters also retained Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court — preserving the court’s left-leaning majority.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin praised the outcome:

“Tonight, Pennsylvania delivered a message: Our courts are not for sale.”

This retention protects key civil rights issues including reproductive freedom, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ protections — especially vital in a state where legislative gridlock often pushes life-impacting decisions to the courts. Past rulings include marriage equality and LGBTQ+ parentage rights.

Harrisburg Stays LGBTQ+ Inclusive Despite Tight Mayoral Race

While LGBTQ+ candidate Dan Miller narrowly lost his rematch against incumbent Wanda Williams, Harrisburg remains in supportive hands. Williams, a strong LGBTQ+ ally, has officiated same-sex marriages at Pride and elevated the city’s Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index score to its highest rating ever.

“Our government must reflect our community,” Williams said previously.

Progressive, Pro-LGBTQ+ Leadership Secured in Philly & Bucks County

In Bucks County, Democrat Joe Khan defeated an anti-LGBTQ+ Republican challenger to become District Attorney. Khan has a record of standing up to Moms for Liberty and refusing to support discriminatory policies.

Two major LGBTQ-supportive leaders remain in power in Philadelphia:

Christy Brady, City Controller

Larry Krasner, District Attorney (re-elected with nearly 80% of the vote)

Krasner has long championed LGBTQ+ rights and vowed to ensure fair treatment for queer and trans residents, including support for long-awaited transparency in the Nizah Morris case.

New Jersey Elects Pro-Equality Governor Mikie Sherrill

Democrat Mikie Sherrill secured a commanding victory in New Jersey’s governor race — extending Democratic leadership to a historic third consecutive term.

Sherrill vowed to protect LGBTQ+ residents, push back against federal attacks on queer and trans rights, and use state-level executive authority to safeguard access to care and equality.

Her opponent, a Trump-endorsed anti-LGBTQ+ candidate, suffered losses even in traditionally conservative counties — signaling a voter rejection of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

Virginia Flips Blue With a Pro-Equality Leadership Trio

One of the night’s biggest wins came in Virginia, where Abigail Spanberger was elected governor, flipping the executive branch. Spanberger defeated outspoken anti-LGBTQ+ politician Winsome Earle-Sears, who has opposed marriage equality, LGBTQ+ adoptions, and trans student protections.

Spanberger will govern alongside:

Ghazala Hashmi, Lieutenant Governor
Jay Jones, Attorney General

All three candidates campaigned on restoring LGBTQ+ protections in Virginia law, including codifying marriage equality.

“Tonight, we sent a message,” Spanberger declared. “Virginia chooses equality.”

New York City Elects First Muslim Mayor — a Powerful LGBTQ+ Ally

New York City saw its highest voter turnout since 1962 — over 2 million voters — and made history by electing Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim and youngest mayor in a century.

Mamdani ran on an unapologetically pro-LGBTQ+ platform, pledging to:

Make NYC an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city
Deploy legal teams to fight anti-trans policies
Create an Office for LGBTQIA+ Affairs
Fund gender-affirming care and housing protections

“Hope is alive,” Mamdani told supporters.
“Now is the time that we win.”

The Message from Voters Is Clear

Across the U.S., voters rejected hate-fueled politics and embraced candidates who champion inclusion, equality, and human rights.

With dozens more races still to be decided, early results show 2025 as a defining year where LGBTQ+ representation expanded and anti-LGBTQ+ agendas were defeated at the ballot box.

Stay with JRL CHARTS for continuing coverage of LGBTQ+ political breakthroughs that impact our community nationwide.

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