Scroll To Top
Election

Breaking barriers: Julie Johnson becomes the FIRST LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from the South

Julia Johnson in front of United States and Texas flags
Courtesy Julie Johnson for Congress

“Julie is an experienced and tested leader who will bring an important voice to Washington. Her fearless advocacy has improved the lives of all Texans," said LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker.

Lesbian Texas State Rep. Julie Johnson just won a seat in the U.S. House, beating out Republican Darrell Day and Libertarian Kevin Hale, becoming the first out LGBTQ+ person elected from Congress from the South.

As a state representative, Johnson helped to kill anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and advocated for reproductive rights, and Equality PAC Cochairs Mark Takano and Ritchie Torres are sure she's going to continue to fight for "those who need it most, especially the LGBTQ community in Texas."

More 2024 Election Coverage from The Advocate:

In a joint statement, Takano and Torres said that the over $600,000 the PAC spent on Johnson's campaign was well worth it for this historic victory. "Now as a history-making Member of Congress, Julie will continue to fight for the LGBTQ community at the national level," they said. "Texas has a battleground in the fight to protect our community. And we are proud to play an important role in ensuring this region has an LGBTQ representative at the national level. Equality PAC came in early to support Julie in a crowded primary field."

Not only did Johnson have the backing of the Equality PAC, but she was also endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

"We are excited that Texas voters made LGBTQ+ history on Election Day by choosing Julie Johnson to represent them in the U.S. House," LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker said in a statement. "Julie is an experienced and tested leader who will bring an important voice to Washington. Her fearless advocacy has improved the lives of all Texans. LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is proud to support her candidacy, and we're confident that she will continue to be a dedicated public servant for her constituents and community."

30 Years of Out100Out / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff and Wayne Brady

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

author avatar

Ariel Messman-Rucker

Ariel Messman-Rucker is an Oakland-born journalist who now calls the Pacific Northwest her home. When she’s not writing about politics and queer pop culture, she can be found reading, hiking, or talking about horror movies with the Zombie Grrlz Horror Podcast Network.

Ariel Messman-Rucker is an Oakland-born journalist who now calls the Pacific Northwest her home. When she’s not writing about politics and queer pop culture, she can be found reading, hiking, or talking about horror movies with the Zombie Grrlz Horror Podcast Network.