The election is over. Now is the time to pause, evaluate where we stand, and prepare to move forward.
A record number of women, people of color, and LGBTQ folks were elected to office across the nation, breaking barriers and making history. Newly elected Congresswoman Sharice Davids is the first openly LGBTQ person to represent the state of Kansas and the first Native American woman to serve in Congress from any state. Jared Polis won Colorado’s gubernatorial race, becoming the first openly gay governor in our country. And in Iowa, Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer will be the first women to represent Iowa in the House of representatives.
Other victories for the LGBTQ community across the nation include the success of the “Yes on 3” campaign in Massachusetts, preserving important civil rights protections for transgender and non-binary foks, and the defeat of Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who infamously refused to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Now, let’s talk about the state of our state-level races. We did not achieve a pro-equality majority in the Iowa House or elect pro-equality candidates in the executive branch like we hoped, but we still saw momentum in the right direction.
Today, we’re closer to holding a pro-equality majority in the Iowa House than we were yesterday. Four of our six endorsed Iowa House candidates won their races, meaning we’ll have new allies fighting for LGBTQ Iowans in that chamber.
Congratulations to Kristin Sunde, Jennifer Konfrst, Molly Donahue, and Liz Bennett. We look forward to working with these four amazing women in the Iowa House.
The election may be over, but there is still so much you can do to raise your voice for LGBTQ Iowans. Now that you know who will be representing you in the Iowa Legislature next session, reach out and tell them what you’re passionate about. Encourage them to keep LGBTQ Iowans in mind as they shape our state’s policies.
We will be at the Capitol every day during legislative session fighting for LGBTQ Iowans. Throughout session, which begins in January, we will send you email alerts about actions you can take to make an impact. Keep an eye out for those alerts, and raise your voice for our community.
LGBTQ Day on the Hill will be Wednesday, February 27, 2019. We will release more details soon, but for now please RSVP on Facebook, save the date on your calendar, and share this important day with the LGBTQ Iowans and allies in your lives. There is strength in numbers, and LGBTQ Day on the Hill is our best chance to show Iowa lawmakers that our community is a force to be reckoned with.
As we gear up for next legislative session, we will need your continued support. Please consider becoming a sustaining donor by making a monthly donation to One Iowa Action.Your gift will ensure we can continue fighting for our community.
Set up your monthly donation to support One Iowa Action’s work here.
Let’s build a better Iowa together. Thank you for fighting for LGBTQ Iowans.