Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC announced the endorsement of three LGBTQ House candidates: Texas State Representative Jolanda Jones, who running in Texas’ 18th Congressional District Special Election and will be the first openly Black lesbian ever elected to Congress; Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who is running to represent Illinois 8th Congressional District; and Navy veteran James Osyf, who is running to represent and flip Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.
“Equality PAC is proud to endorse these outstanding candidates who reflect the courage, values, and leadership our community deserves in Congress. State Representative Jolanda Jones, Commissioner Kevin Morrison, and Navy veteran James Osyf are not only champions for LGBTQ equality, but also for the everyday concerns and challenges that families in their districts face,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “They are committed to lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, protecting reproductive freedom, defending our democracy, and ensuring every child has access to a quality education. From fighting for good-paying jobs in Texas, to delivering economic opportunity and safer communities in Illinois, to protecting veterans and military families in Virginia, these leaders understand what is at stake for working families.”
“Our mission has always been bigger than any one race,” the Co-Chairs continued. “We are working across the country to recruit, train, and support LGBTQ candidates and allies who will bring fresh perspectives and lived experience to Congress. By investing early in candidates like Jolanda, Kevin, and James, we are building a pipeline of leaders who are ready to meet the challenges facing our nation and to ensure that equality and fairness are never up for debate. With these endorsements, Equality PAC is making clear that the fight for progress, in Texas, Illinois, Virginia, and beyond, is about electing leaders who will deliver for everyday Americans.”
“I can’t imagine a higher honor than being endorsed by Equality PAC,” said Texas State Representative Jolanda Jones. “I’m in the middle of a huge battle to keep Trump from rigging the midterm congressional elections. I left my home state and held firm even when Abbott and Trump sent the FBI and the Texas Rangers after me. Congress is the only branch of government left that can stop Trump – and I’m ready to join that fight as the first Black open lesbian to be elected to Congress. Thank you, Equality PAC!”
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Equality PAC,” said Cook County Board Commissioner Kevin Morrison. “As the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Cook County Board, I know that our fight for full equality is far from over. At a time when Donald Trump and his MAGA allies continue to wage a full-on assault against our rights, it has never been more urgent for the LGBTQ+ community to stand together in solidarity – and this endorsement is a powerful sign that we will never stop fighting for our freedom and dignity.”
“I’m proud to have Equality PAC’s support as we fight to flip VA-02,” said James Osyf. “This endorsement reflects what our campaign is about – making Virginia safer, fairer, and stronger. I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ+ community in our shared mission to ensure that every American has the freedom, dignity, and opportunity to thrive.”
State Representative Jolanda Jones energized Democrats across the country last month in the fight to stop the racist, unconstitutional plan by Donald Trump to steal five Congressional seats. Jolanda rose from a childhood of poverty and tragedy to the Academic American Hall of Fame, a 4-time national track and field champion, a basketball All-American, a Rhodes Scholar nominee, LGBTQ+ and civil rights activist, a successful businesswoman, author and an unapologetic human rights activist, and an 11-time elected official. Jones in running to succeed Congressman Sylvester Turner, who passed away earlier this year.
Kevin Morrison is a Cook County Commissioner and candidate for Congress. In 2018, he made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ and youngest-ever Commissioner, as well as the first Democrat to represent his district after beating the incumbent who was also Chair of the Illinois Republican Party. On the Board, Kevin has been a leader on mental health, small business, the environment, public safety, and tenants’ rights. Kevin has delivered results for working families and marginalized communities. He is running to succeed Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is retiring to run for Senate.
A first-generation Ukrainian American, James Osyf was raised by a family who sought refuge from the oppression of post-war Europe to ultimately realize the American Dream. Inspired by their hardship and sacrifice, including military service spanning from WWII through Vietnam, James attended the U.S. Naval Academy, and later continued his education at the Harvard Kennedy School and Georgetown Law. His Navy career began in Virginia Beach, where he deployed twice to the Persian Gulf aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Norfolk. Following additional tours of duty—from Submarine Rescue Command to the Pentagon— James returned to Virginia Beach, where he continues to serve today, supporting U.S. Second Fleet operations as a Commander in the Navy Reserve. He is running to flip this battleground seat and defeat incumbent Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans.
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.