Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC released the following statement on the results of California’s congressional primary elections, where all four Equality PAC-endorsed candidates advanced to the general election in November.
In California’s 48th Congressional District, San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert earned a spot in the general election, advancing from a competitive primary field. She will face San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond in November in one of the nation’s most closely watched congressional contests. In California’s 11th Congressional District, State Senator Scott Wiener finished first in the primary and will advance to the general election, where he will face San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan.
In California’s 39th and 42nd Congressional Districts, Equality PAC Co-Chair and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano and House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia each advanced from their respective primaries and will appear on the November ballot.
“Yesterday’s results represent a clean sweep for Equality PAC and a powerful victory for LGBTQ representation in California and across our country. Every Equality PAC-endorsed candidate advanced to the general election, demonstrating that candidates who champion equality, opportunity, and inclusive leadership continue to earn the faith, trust, and support of voters,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “We were especially proud to support Marni von Wilpert and Scott Wiener in two closely watched races. Marni’s advancement in California’s 48th District positions a proven public servant to compete in one of the nation’s most important swing-seat contests. And in California’s 11th District, Scott Wiener’s first-place finish reflects his longstanding record of delivering results and standing up for marginalized communities, working families, and the values that make California a leader in progress and inclusion. These victories underscore the growing strength of LGBTQ leaders and allies at every level of government. Equality PAC was proud to invest early and decisively in these races, helping ensure that candidates who share our values will continue their campaigns into November.”
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.