13 LGBTQ+ elected lawmakers join the 119th Congress

The 119th Congress opens with a historic milestone: the largest group of out LGBTQ+ members in U.S. history, a dynamic 13 legislators who are redefining what representation in Washington looks like. Among them is Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware, making history as the first openly transgender personelected to Congress; Rep. Emily Randall of Washington, the first queer Latina to serve; and Rep. Julie Johnson of Texas, whose groundbreaking election as her state’s first openly LGBTQ+ representative signals a shift even in traditionally conservative strongholds.

These newcomers join seasoned icons like Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the first out immigrant in Congress; Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, the first Afro-Latine to serve; and Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, whose decade-long tenure has made her a North Star for LGBTQ+ rights. Together, they form a vanguard prepared to counter the incoming Trump administration’s most regressive impulses. With Trump entering his second term amid felony convictions and a Republican-controlled House and Senate pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies, these legislators are poised to be a critical line of defense.

But their presence in Congress is about more than opposition; it’s about shaping the future. From safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights to championing progressive legislation, these lawmakers embody the audacity of inclusion and the promise of a better America. The 119th Congress is where progress meets resistance, and these leaders are here to ensure the fight for equality remains uncompromising and unstoppable.

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Sarah McBride

Trailblazing history was made when U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, became the first out transgender member of Congress when she was sworn in on January 3. Representing Delaware’s at-large district, McBride has long been a leader in the fight for equality, healthcare reform, and social justice. McBride’s presence in the U.S. House signals a seismic shift toward inclusion and progress despite Republican control of all branches of government.

Julie Johnson

U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson shattered barriers inTexas as the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from the Lone Star State. Representing the 32nd district, the former attorney and state representative brings a history of resilience and determination. A co-founder of Texas’ LGBTQ+ caucus, Johnson has been unyielding in her fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and for advancing healthcare and voting rights.

Emily Randall

U.S. Rep. Emily Randall, representingWashington’s 6th district, has made her mark as the first out LGBTQ+ Latina in Congress. With a background steeped in healthcare advocacy, Randall knows how to fight for what she believes matters most: accessible healthcare, education equity, and the protection of marginalized communities.

Tammy Baldwin

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is a legend in her own right as the first out gay person elected to the U.S. Senate and the only out senator in the 119th Congress. Representing Wisconsin since 2013, Baldwin has led the charge on healthcare reform, LGBTQ+ protections, and economic equality. She was a primary co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Mark Pocan

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan has been a stalwart progressive voice in Congress since 2013. RepresentingWisconsin’s 2nd district, Pocan fights for labor rights, campaign finance reform, and LGBTQ+ equality. As the outgoing chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, he continues to push for transformative policies that address inequality and uplift marginalized communities.

Mark Takano

U.S. Rep. Mark Takano continues to break ground as the first out gay person of color in Congress, representingCalifornia’s 41st district. Takano’s work as ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, a champion for veterans, education, and labor rights, has transformed lives. His leadership in the Congressional Equality Caucus (where he is the incoming chair) and with Equality PAC has ensured that LGBTQ+ veterans and other underserved communities are not left behind.

Angie Craig

Since her election to represent Minnesota’s 2nd district in 2018, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig has been a relentless force for change. Craig, the first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress from her state, has been focused on healthcare reform, infrastructure, and supporting rural communities. Her dedication to practical solutions has made her a trusted voice in Washington. She is the first LGBTQ+ woman to serve as ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee.

Sharice Davids

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, representing Kansas’ 3rd district, is a trailblazer as one of the first Native American women in Congress and Kansas’ first openly LGBTQ+ member. A former mixed martial artist and attorney, Davids brings a dynamic approach to infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development, ensuring her district’s voice is heard loud and clear.

Chris Pappas

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas broke barriers as New Hampshire’s first out gay member of Congress. Representing the 1st district since 2019, Pappas has been a steady advocate for bipartisan solutions in infrastructure, veterans’ services, and small business support.

Ritchie Torres

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres is the first out Afro-Latine member. Representing New York’s 15th district, Torres has often focused on affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic equity. Torres is an equal opportunity critic who has not shied away from speaking his mind and taking on his base. Torres may be eyeing the New York gubernatorial race.

Becca Balint

Vermont U.S. Rep. Becca Balint is not just her state’s first out lesbian member of Congress—she’s a powerhouse advocate for working families. Representing Vermont’s at-large district, the former educator and state senator fights for affordable housing, education, and LGBTQ+ rights. Balint embraces positivity and joy as she stands in the way of Republican attacks to roll back LGBTQ+ progress.

Robert Garcia

Rising Democratic star, U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, representing California’s 42nd district, made history as the first out gay immigrant elected to Congress. His journey from Peru to the mayor’s office in Long Beach, and now a key Democratic Caucus leadership role on Capitol Hill, is a testament to his resilience. Garcia is the only Democrat on every committee withGeorgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom he's held accountable for the many bigoted and conspiratorial things she's said.

Eric Sorensen

Former television weatherman U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, Illinois’ first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress, is bringing science and climate advocacy to the forefront. Representing the 17th district, Sorensen draws on his experience as a meteorologist to tackle climate change on Capitol Hill. His work emphasizes sustainability, disaster preparedness, and science-driven leadership.