Today, Equality PAC released the following statement on the results of New York’s congressional primary elections, where two Equality PAC-endorsed candidates were elected as the Democratic nominees in their respective districts.
In New York’s 17th Congressional District, Army veteran Cait Conley won a crowded Democratic primary and will now take on Republican incumbent Mike Lawler as she seeks to flip this critical swing seat. In New York’s 15th Congressional District, Equality PAC Co-Chair Congressman Ritchie Torres also secured renomination, advancing to the general election in the heavily Democratic district that encompasses much of the Bronx.
“Last night’s victory is a powerful validation of Equality PAC’s strategy to invest early in the strongest pro-equality candidates in the most competitive races across the country,” said Equality PAC Co-Chair Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA). “From the moment Cait Conley entered this race, we recognized that she had the experience, leadership, and broad appeal necessary not only to emerge from a crowded primary field, but also flip one of the most critical swing seats in the nation. That’s why Equality PAC made an early commitment to Cait’s campaign and worked to ensure voters across the district understood what was at stake in this election. As an Army veteran and dedicated public servant, Cait built a coalition focused on protecting fundamental freedoms, lowering costs for working families, and delivering results for her community. Equality PAC is proud to have been in this fight from the beginning, and we look forward to doing everything we can to help send Cait Conley to Congress this 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.
