Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC endorsed former State Representative Daniel Hernandez for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District Special Election. The special election was called after the death of Congressman Raúl Grijalva on March 13, 2025.
“Equality PAC is proud to endorse Daniel Hernandez for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District because we need bold, compassionate leaders who will fight for all Americans,” said Equality PAC. “Throughout his career, Daniel has been a champion for expanding access to affordable health care, defending reproductive rights, fighting for the LGBTQ community, and enacting common-sense gun safety measures. As a state legislator, he worked across the aisle to lower prescription drug costs, protect health care workers, and ensure that every Arizonian have access to the care they need. His firsthand experience saving lives during the tragic Tucson shooting in 2011 has driven his lifelong commitment to combating gun violence and making communities safer. Daniel has spent his life fighting for Arizonians who felt left behind or left out — and doing everything he can to level the playing field, making sure everyone has a brighter tomorrow. Equality PAC is proud to support Daniel because we know he will always put Arizona first and fight for a future where everyone, no matter who they are, who they love, or where they come from, can thrive.”
“I’m proud to have the support of Equality PAC as we fight to make sure every voice is heard and every family has the freedom to thrive,” said Hernandez. “As a gay, first-generation American and public health advocate, I know what’s at stake for our communities. We need leaders who will fight for our rights, for our health care, and for our democracy—and I’m ready to do just that in Congress.”
Daniel was born and raised in Tucson, the son of a Mexican immigrant. A first-generation college student, Daniel attended the University of Arizona when he interned for then-Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and was there on the day of the tragic attack on her life which resulted in 6 deaths and 13 people injured. Daniel was the first to administer first aid to the Congresswoman before the EMTs arrived and was named a national hero by President Obama.
Inspired by Congresswoman Giffords’ commitment to public service, Daniel went on to advocate for access to reproductive health care and education as program manager for Raíz, Planned Parenthood’s Latino outreach program. He was elected to his local school board, where he became the youngest school board president in the district’s history. From 2017 to 2023, Daniel served in the Arizona State House.
The Democratic Primary for this seat will be held on July 15, 2025, and the general election will be held on September 23, 2025. The filing deadline for the seat is on April 14, 2025.
Equality PAC’s 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. All the funds we raise are used to elect and re-elect LGBTQ persons to Congress and secondarily support 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.
In the short time that Equality PAC has existed, Equality PAC 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 2024, Equality PAC helped elect Julie Johnson (Texas); Emily Randall (Washington); and Sarah McBride (Delaware).
Equality PAC has been instrumental in winning key races that have determined control of Congress 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.
