Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC endorsed Equality PAC Board Member Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for Florida’s new 20th Congressional District. Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz is running for the Democratic nomination in the heavily Democratic South Florida district that was created following Florida’s mid-decade redistricting.
“Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been a steadfast champion for equality, working families, and South Florida throughout her career in public service,” said Equality PAC. “For decades, Debbie has fought tirelessly to deliver for the people of South Florida, working to lower costs for families, expand access to affordable health care, protect Social Security and Medicare, and create greater economic opportunity for everyone. She has never stopped fighting for marginalized communities, defending fundamental freedoms, and ensuring every American has a fair shot at success. Debbie’s leadership has made a lasting difference for her constituents, and Equality PAC is proud to endorse her for Florida’s 20th Congressional District. We look forward to continuing our work together to build a more inclusive, more affordable, and more prosperous future for all Floridians.”
“I’m honored to receive this Equality PAC re-election endorsement as I keep up our fight against Trump and MAGA Republicans who work non-stop to roll back hard-fought LGBTQ+ rights. In South Florida, I represent one of the nation’s largest, most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, and I’ve never been afraid to stand up for them, even when it meant standing alone,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “As a founding Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I’ve been a long-time, vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, from early marriage rights support to the latest MAGA attacks on Pride flags in federal buildings and defending Pride public art displays in Florida, I pledge to take on this hate and bigotry everywhere, and I’ll always work tirelessly toward full equality.”
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz will compete in Florida’s Democratic primary on August 18, where voters will choose their party’s nominee for the state’s 20th Congressional District. The winner of the primary will advance to the general election and be well-positioned to represent the heavily Democratic South Florida district.
Equality PAC’s primary mission is simple: to elect more LGBTQ+ persons to Congress — individuals who will have a seat at the table, impact the debate, and humanize the LGBTQ community’s concerns. Beyond this goal, Equality PAC also supports strong LGBTQ community allies who will proudly and unapologetically stand with us in the fight to pass the Equality Act and equal protection under our nation’s laws. All funds that Equality PAC raises are directed to re-elect and expand our small – but mighty – LGBTQ caucus and to elect a pro-Equality Majority in the House of Representatives.
Today, Equality PAC remains the only identity PAC that financially supports every Frontline Member and Red2Blue candidate because we know that without pro-Equality majorities, the progress our community has made and the civil rights and equal protections we have fought so hard for – and are still fighting for every day – remain in jeopardy.
In the short time that Equality PAC has existed, it has played an unmatched role in making history for the LGBTQ community, electing LGBTQ leaders at the federal level such as current House Members Sharice Davis (Kansas); Ritchie Torres (New York); Becca Balint (Vermont); Robert Garcia (California); Eric Sorensen (Illinois); Angie Craig (Minnesota); and Chris Pappas (New Hampshire).
And in the most recent elections, Equality PAC notched three huge historic wins: in TX-32 with Julie Johnson who made history as the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to Congress from Texas or the South; in WA-06 with Emily Randall who made history as the first ever queer Latina elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ Member from Washington state; and with DE state Senator Sarah McBride in DE-AL as the first trans person ever elected to Congress.
With their elections, we have DOUBLED the number of LGBTQ women in the House from 3 to 6. And for the first time ever – there is parity within the LGBTQ caucus with 6 women and 6 men serving together in the House. This is an incredible accomplishment. On top of this, 5 of the 12 LGBTQ persons serving right now in the House are persons of color. These are incredible accomplishments for our community and its representation in Congress
Equality PAC has grown exponentially since its founding by Congressman Mark Takano and former Congressman (now Governor) Jared Polis in 2014 – when we raised $32,000 from some very loyal and trusting friends who took a chance on us and the experiment we were at the time. Today, we are extraordinarily grateful to have deeply committed and generous supporters in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico – and throughout the grassroots, labor, and business communities.
In total, during the 2023-24 election cycle, we raised and spent an impressive $23.4m for Equality PAC and direct contributions for our endorsed Members and candidates, state Party funds, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), and independent expenditure efforts. As we look to the 2026 election and possible opportunities – particularly in potential open House and Senate seat races – we anticipate making even more history and growing the LGBTQ House Caucus deeper into double digits and electing at least two new LGBTQ Senators.