In a historic election year, over 1,000 LGBTQ candidates ran for offices nationwide, achieving significant wins and setting records across multiple levels of government. According to the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, 668 queer candidates reached the general election, with nearly 80% of endorsed candidates emerging victorious as of Friday. The candidates ran in all states except Nebraska, achieving wins in 40 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. The LGBTQ candidate pool was more diverse than ever, with 37.6% queer people of color and 15.2% non-cisgender candidates. Congressional races included 17 LGBTQ candidates; among them were Delaware’s Sarah McBride who became the first out transgender person elected to Congress, while Texas’ Julie Johnson and Washington’s Emily Randall made history as the first LGBTQ representatives from the South and the first queer Latina, respectively. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin won re-election amidst anti-trans ads targeting her sexuality. At least 1,273 LGBTQ elected officials now serve across the U.S., however, it is still just 0.24% of all officials. With a Republican-controlled government, this increasing representation is critical. #Queer Up Politics