Equality California Announces LGBTQ+ Candidate Endorsements for 2026 Legislative Elections

SACRAMENTO - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, today announced the endorsements of seven out LGBTQ+ candidates running for state legislative offices - the organization's largest group of endorsements ahead of the 2026 primary and midterm elections. These endorsed candidates join Equality California Institute Board President Juan Camacho, who Equality California endorsed earlier this year in State Senate District 26.

"We are thrilled to kick off our 2026 electoral efforts in earnest with this impressive group of LGBTQ+ candidates," said Executive Director Tony Hoang. "Coming off a historic win for Proposition 50 it is clear that Californians want strong, pro-equality representation in our state.

Equality California is doubling down to ensure that our community's voices aren't just heard in the halls of power - they're leading the meeting, setting the agenda, and advancing pro-equality policies to improve the lives of all Californians.

We have proudly partnered with the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus to achieve 12% out-LGBTQ+ representation in Sacramento, the largest number in history. In 2026, we're poised to build on that number. Statewide special elections this November across the country saw far-right candidates handily defeated in key races, a direct rebuke of Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans' anti-LGBTQ+, anti-democracy agenda.

Equality California is prepared to endorse more candidates, build more people power, and aggressively campaign as part of our biggest electoral efforts in organizational history. We're not going to just win statewide - we're going to take back the House, challenge for the Senate, and invest in local-level candidates to build a truly impressive coalition focused on building a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for LGBTQ+ people everywhere."

The full list of new endorsements can be found below:

California State Senate:

Senate District 24: John Erickson and Ellen Evans (dual endorsement)

California State Assembly:

Assembly District 12: Eli Beckman and Holli Thier (dual endorsement)
Assembly District 31: Annalisa Perea
Assembly District 58: Clarissa Cervantes
Assembly District 66: Scott Houston

Bold indicates an openly LGBTQ+ candidate.

For a complete list of Equality California's endorsements, please visit eqca.org/elections.

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