Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC endorsed Florida State Senator Shev Jones for Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Jones is running for the Democratic nomination in the heavily Democratic district following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s announcement that she will retire at the end of the 119th Congress.
“State Senator Shev Jones has dedicated his career to fighting for working families, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring that every Floridian has a voice in their government. Throughout his time in public service, Shev has been a fearless advocate for public education, affordable health care, and equal rights, earning the trust and respect of the communities he serves,” said Equality PAC. “And at a time when LGBTQ Americans continue to face unprecedented attacks, Shev’s leadership and commitment to public service are more important than ever. Equality PAC is proud to endorse Shev’s campaign for Congress because we know he will be a tireless champion for opportunity and justice for all. We are excited to help send another strong pro-equality leader to Washington who will fight every day for the people of South Florida.”
“Having Equality PAC by our side in this race means more to me than words can capture,” said State Senator Shev Jones. “This organization has spent years working to expand opportunity, standing up for the marginalized, and fighting so that everyone can have a seat at the table. I am honored, energized, and more committed than ever to making sure every voice in our district is heard and represented.”
Born in Carol City (Miami Gardens) and shaped by the values of education, faith, and community, Shev turned a passion for equity into action — teaching A.P. Chemistry, founding a nationally recognized youth leadership nonprofit, and taking that same drive to the state legislature on behalf of South Florida.
Elected to the Florida House in 2012 and the State Senate in 2020, he has delivered real results: protecting incarcerated women’s dignity, expanding life-saving syringe exchange programs, and championing police accountability measures communities have long demanded and deserved. Shev has earned a reputation as one of the state’s most effective lawmakers as he has fought for South Florida, spoken out against attacks on voting rights, and stood up to MAGA extremists in Tallahassee.
A former Chair of Miami-Dade Democrats and graduate of Florida A&M University, Shev served on President Obama’s College Promise Task Force and President Biden’s HBCU Board of Advisors. Now, he is running for Congress to bring that same tenacity and fresh perspective to Congress — fighting for the South Florida families who deserve a seat at the table. The first LGBTQ+ State Senator in Florida’s history, Shev will be the state’s first LGBTQ+ member of Congress if elected, and the only LGBTQ+ Congressional member in the Deep South.
Jones will compete in Florida’s Democratic primary on August 18, where voters will choose their party’s nominee for the state’s 24th 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.