With the upcoming general election on Nov. 5, it is time to give some thought into whose name you will be marking on your ballot. These are the candidates PGN proudly endorses.
PRESIDENT
Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris may not check all of your boxes, but when the choice is between her and Donald Trump — who has banned transgender people from serving in the military, allowed federal contractors to fire LGBTQ+ workers based on sexual orientation and gender identity, removed protections for LGBTQ+ people in healthcare programs, and forced U.S. embassies around the world to remove Pride flags — there is only one option for the LGBTQ+ community. Harris has consistently championed LGBTQ+ rights. From supporting marriage equality as San Francisco’s District Attorney to co-sponsoring the Equality Act as a U.S. senator, her dedication is evident. As vice president, she remains a vocal advocate, fighting against book bans and discriminatory policies. Harris’s unwavering commitment makes her a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
U.S. SENATE
Robert P. Casey
Sen. Bob Casey has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his Senate career. From voting for the Respect for Marriage Act to cosponsoring landmark bills like the Equality Act and the Hate Crime Prevention Act, Casey has consistently stood with the community. His unwavering commitment over 18 years speaks volumes about his dedication to equality and inclusion.
AUDITOR GENERAL
Malcolm Kenyatta
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly gay person of color elected to the state house, has been a trailblazing advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, with a perfect voting record on these issues and a history of championing marriage equality. He’s also introduced critical bills, including Data for LGBTQ Lives, to ensure better representation in state data. Beyond his legislative work, Kenyatta has supported the community through LGBTQ+ organizations like Liberty City Democratic Club and received recognition for his dedication to equality.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Eugene Depasquale
Eugene Depasquale is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, pledging to promote equality in law enforcement, health care and education. With a record of support dating back to his time in the state house, where he cosponsored the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and championed marriage equality, Depasquale is committed to advancing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and students.
U.S. HOUSE PA DISTRICT 1
Ashley Ehasz
Ashley Ehasz stands firmly with the LGBTQ+ community, opposing the military’s trans ban and challenging anti-LGBTQ+ policies at local school board meetings. She actively highlights and celebrates LGBTQ+ voices. This includes spotlighting community members on her social media accounts during Pride Month.
U.S. HOUSE PA DISTRICT 2
Brendan Boyle
Rep. Brendan Boyle has been a consistent champion for LGBTQ+ rights, with a perfect HRC scorecard since 2015. He’s a strong supporter of the Equality Act, Do No Harm Act, and Safe Schools Improvement Act, and has worked across party lines to advance equal accreditation for LGBTQ+ foreign service officers. Boyle’s commitment to the community is further reflected in his active involvement with local LGBTQ+ events.
U.S. HOUSE PA DISTRICT 3
Dwight Evans
Since taking office, Rep. Dwight Evans has been a steadfast supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, maintaining a perfect HRC score and backing key legislation like the Equality Act, Fight Book Bans Act and Safe Schools Improvement Act. His advocacy dates back to the Pa. House, where he cosponsored the first bill for same-sex civil unions and multiple versions of the Fairness Act.
U.S. HOUSE PA DISTRICT 4
Madeleine Dean
Rep. Madeleine Dean has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, achieving a perfect score on the HRC Congressional Scorecard since taking office. She supports key legislation like the Equality Act and various nondiscrimination bills, with empowering the LGBTQ+ community as a major campaign focus. As a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee in the House Financial Services Committee, she works toward equality in hiring and resources. Dean also cosponsored HB 300 while serving in the Pa. House.
U.S. HOUSE PA DISTRICT 5
Mary Gay Scanlon
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon has been a steadfast ally for the LGBTQ+ community in Congress, achieving a perfect score on the HRC Congressional Scorecard. She serves as Vice-Chair of the House Equality Caucus and actively advocates for the trans community and gender-affirming care. During her time as an attorney, Scanlon contributed to marriage equality research and provided legal assistance to help trans individuals change their names.
U.S. HOUSE PA DISTRICT 7
Susan Wild
Rep. Susan Wild has been a consistent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Congress, maintaining a perfect score on the HRC Congressional Scorecard. Her campaign website highlights her commitment to LGBTQ+ issues, including her support for passing the Equality Act and ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly in the military.
U.S. HOUSE DELAWARE AT-LARGE
Sarah McBride
Sarah McBride, the first trans person elected to a state Senate, has dedicated her career to supporting LGBTQ+ rights. She has served as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, been on the board of Equality Delaware, and worked as Special Assistant for LGBT Progress at the Center for American Progress. In 2013, she played a key role in adding gender identity and expression to Delaware’s nondiscrimination and hate-crimes laws. As a state senator, she sponsored a bill to eliminate the “gay panic” defense and introduced resolutions recognizing Pride Month and the Stonewall Rebellion.
U.S. SENATE, NEW JERSEY
Andy Kim
Rep. Andy Kim has been a steadfast supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time in Congress, achieving perfect scores on the HRC Congressional Scorecard. He has cosponsored the Equality Act and Do No Harm Act, and has voted for nondiscrimination protections and gender-affirming care. He stated that LGBTQ+ rights are “the new civil rights challenge of this generation,” and criticized the Republican party for trying to “prevent people from being themselves.” His campaign site features a dedicated section addressing LGBTQ+ issues.