This Pride Month, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Out for America report and the highly anticipated LGBTQ+ Political Power List!
This isn’t just a list; it’s a testament to the incredible impact of LGBTQ+ leadership across the nation. Our LGBTQ+ Political Power List spotlights 26 of the most influential LGBTQ+ state and local elected officials from every corner of the U.S. These public servants exemplify the caliber of the at least 1,334 LGBTQ+ elected officials currently serving nationwide.
While this list showcases an extraordinary group of trailblazers, it’s just a glimpse of the vast talent and dedication within the LGBTQ+ political landscape.
Don’t miss out! Dive into the Out for America report and explore the LGBTQ+ Political Power List now. Then, help us amplify these inspiring stories by sharing them on your social media!
Executive LGBTQ+ Political Power
From the East Coast to the Pacific Islands, LGBTQ+ executive leaders are at the head of change and progress. This year LGBTQ+ Political Power listmakers include Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and Guam Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio, all historymakers in their respective roles.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
Gov. Healey is one of the first two out lesbian governors in the United States from Massachusetts, where she has a long career in fighting for our rights.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek was one of two women elected as the first out lesbian governors of any state, and was the first out LGBTQ+ speaker of the Oregon House.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is the first out gay governor elected in the United States, and served as a legislator and tech whiz before.
Guam Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio
Lt. Governor Tenorio is the first out gay lieutenant governor and one of the top LGBTQ+ power players in U.S. territories.
Statewide LGBTQ+ Leaders
LGBTQ+ statewide leaders are driving progress, protecting equality and standing up to hate. They are some of the best, brightest and boldest public servants in the game. This year’s Statewide LGBTQ+ leaders include Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell
Treasurer Russell made history as his state's first out Black LGBTQ+ state officeholder and the first out Black LGBTQ+ statewide executive nationwide. He's an attorney who is shaking up finance with focus on equity.
Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak
Treasurer Pieciak is a history-making financial whiz with public health cred who blends sharp analytics with deep community trust.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
AG Nessel shattered ceilings as the first out LGBTQ+ statewide official in Michigan, and uses her razor-sharp legal mind and quick wit to combat anti-equality forces at every turn.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
AG Mayes not only made history as the first out LGBTQ+ statewide elected official in Arizona, she's a journalist and former Corporation Commissioner who works to defend our freedoms.
State Legislators
State legislators are the first line of defense against hateful bills, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and state-sponsored discrimination. These legislative powerhouses are standing up in red, blue and purple states to not just protect LGBTQ+ rights, but the rights of all they represent. Many of them made history when elected, and continue to make change as they serve.
Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi
Speaker Shekarchi is the second out gay Speaker of the Rhode Island House and he's worked to champion everything from affordable housing to LGBTQ+ rights with strategy, focus and finesse.
California State Sen. Caroline Menjivar
Caroline Menjivar is a queer Latina and Marine Corps veteran serving as the first out LGBTQ+ legislator to represent the San Fernando Valley. She's a champion for working families, mental health and equity.
California State Assemblymember Chris Ward
Assemblymember Chris Ward is a proven leader, making him a deserving Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and State Assembly member.
Washington State Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen
Senator Pedersen is a trailblazing LGBTQ+ leader in the Washington State Senate. An out elected official since 2006, he's championed critical LGBTQ+ protections and marriage equality.
Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones
Shevrin Jones broke barriers as Florida’s first out gay state senator, turning the heat up on education and healthcare. He brings heart, smarts, and clarity to Florida’s tough political battles.
Hawaii State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto
Kim Coco Iwamoto is an attorney and true pioneer with a long career of history-making, service and advocacy. In her run for the Hawaii House of Representatives, she notably unseated the sitting Speaker of the House.
Washington House Speaker Laurie Jinkins
Speaker Jinkins is the first woman and first out lesbian speaker of the Washington house. She's a sharp lawyer and public health champion.
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau
Ryan Fecteau made history as Maine’s youngest-ever and first out gay Speaker. Growing up in public housing, he brought a dynamic working-class fire to Augusta, pushing hard for housing, fair wages and LGBTQ+ rights.
Texas State Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons
A changemaking labor organizer and proud mom, Simmons shook up Texas politics by running a bold campaign for economic justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare access, and unseated an anti-LGBTQ+ Democratic incumbent.
Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr
Zooey Zephyr made history as Montana’s first out transgender legislator in 2022 — and instantly became a national beacon for trans rights.
Iowa State Representative Aime Wichtendahl
Aime Wichtendahl is a two-time history maker, sharp engineer and bold community advocate driven to spur economic growth.
Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy
Kelly Cassidy stands out as an exceptionally worthwhile leader for LGBTQ+ community recognition due to her unwavering commitment and tangible legislative achievements.
City leaders
These local-level executive and legislative public servants are making history and shaping policy to preserve equality and protect our community. The 2025 city leaders on the LGBTQ+ Political Power list include San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley, Columbus, Ohio Council President Shannon Hardin, New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher and Nashville City Councilmember Olivia Hill.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
San Diego Mayor Gloria is a double history maker as the first out gay and first mayor of color. He's a seasoned political leader as both a legislator and executive with strong policy chops.
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones
Gina Ortiz Jones is San Antonio's historic mayor. A first-generation Filipina American, she shattered barriers throughout her career, notably as the first openly lesbian woman of color to serve as Under Secretary of the Air Force.
Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley
Mayor Brett Smiley is a powerhouse of progressive leadership in Providence, Rhode Island. As mayor, he has relentlessly championed economic revitalization and affordable housing.
Columbus, Ohio Council President Shannon Hardin
Hardin is rewriting the rules of city leadership as the first out gay President of the Columbus City Council. He has driven major wins in transportation, racial equity, and housing, while championing inclusive policies.
Nashville, Tennessee Councilmember Olivia Hill
Olivia Hill made history in 2023 as Tennessee’s first out transgender elected official, winning a seat on the Nashville Metro Council and flipping the script in a state doubling down on anti-trans attacks.
New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher
Erik Bottcher represents Manhattan’s 3rd District on the New York City Council, which includes the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Chelsea and the West Village. He brings a unique blend of lived experience and policy expertise to City Hall.
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