Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC released the following statement on Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s decision to retire at the end of the 118th Congress.
“Equality PAC joins countless Americans in expressing our profound gratitude and admiration for Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, whose extraordinary and trailblazing career has been defined by courage, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to equality,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “When Nancy Pelosi was first elected to the House of Representatives more than three decades ago, she declared that she was there to fight the AIDS crisis, which was devastating the LGBTQ community and her district – a bold and moral stand at a time when so many in power refused to even say the word “AIDS.” From that moment forward, her leadership became a lifeline for countless members of the LGBTQ community, families, advocates, and people living with HIV. Throughout her historic tenure, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has been a true, loyal, and steadfast ally – an unwavering champion who understood that LGBTQ rights are human rights. She fought to fund HIV/AIDS research and care, stood up for marriage equality, and worked tirelessly to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Most recently, she guided the House in passing the Respect for Marriage Act, ensuring federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages—a defining moment in the ongoing march toward equality.”
“Her voice has helped to bend the arc of history toward justice. In every chapter of her public service, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has stood shoulder to shoulder with our community, not only in moments of triumph, but in the hardest days when courage was needed most,” the Co-Chairs continued. “As she prepares to retire, we honor Nancy Pelosi not just as a historic Speaker of the House, but as a hero to millions of LGBTQ Americans who saw in her a leader who believed in their dignity, their worth, and their equality under the law. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of advocates and allies to come. Equality PAC thanks Speaker Emerita Pelosi for her lifetime of service—and for reminding us that leadership, at its best, is an act of love.”
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.