LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is proud to announce that an incredibly impressive group of 120 LGBTQ+ leaders have been invited to participate in one of its flagship 2025 Candidate & Campaign Training programs. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these individuals represent the next generation of LGBTQ+ change-makers, looking to step up and elevate their political power by running for office and leading campaigns that build power for our communities.
The two trainings for this year’s cohort will take place in Houston in May and Los Angeles in September. These intensive four-day programs provide LGBTQ+ leaders with the hard skills, tools, and strategies they need to launch successful political campaigns. They will engage in hands-on practice and campaign simulations to prepare them not just to run, but to win!
Our training in Los Angeles has a unique focus. For the first time, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is proud to partner with Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) to host a special extension of the Los Angeles training, tailored specifically for trans and gender-expansive participants. This new curriculum, developed in collaboration with A4TE, will provide a dedicated space for trans and gender-expansive leaders to receive training and support that meets the unique challenges and opportunities they face when running for office. This partnership represents a major step forward in our commitment to inclusivity and trans political power. The extension is fully covered for the selected cohort as an investment in their leadership.
“Reviewing the applications this year was a rewarding task – our community is more motivated than ever to be in positions that have a direct impact on their friends, families, neighbors, and communities,” said Itay Balely, Director of Training at LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. “We are so proud of the diverse cohort we selected and know they will achieve great things, and thanks to our new partnership with A4TE, we are proud to offer an even more inclusive and affirming training experience than ever before.”
While celebrating the incoming cohort, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute also acknowledges the many outstanding applicants who were not selected in this cycle. The selection process was highly competitive, and many qualified individuals were not able to be accommodated. Those not chosen are strongly encouraged to reapply for future programs and continue working with LGBTQ+ Victory Institute through other training programs and expand their leadership journey.
In addition to its flagship trainings, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute will host a free, one-day Candidate & Campaign Training 101 in Washington, DC as part of the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in December 2025. This introductory training is designed for LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about running for office and want to explore the basics of launching a campaign in a supportive and informative environment.
The 2025 cohort joins a growing alumni network of LGBTQ+ leaders who have gone on to win elections, manage campaigns, and transform communities. As the fight for representation continues, programs like these remain a critical investment in building a government that reflects the full diversity of the nation.
