1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Recent election results across the United States have clearly demonstrated that supporting transgender rights is not only the right thing to do morally, but it's also a winning political strategy. I urge you to take a strong stance in favor of transgender rights and LGBTQ+ equality in our district. The 2023 elections saw remarkable victories for candidates who championed transgender rights, even in the face of aggressive anti-trans messaging from their opponents. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won decisively against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, despite heavy Republican spending on anti-transgender advertisements. This pattern repeated itself across the state, with Democrats securing the governor's office and numerous state legislature seats. Similarly, in New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill achieved a decisive victory against an opponent who campaigned on anti-trans policies. New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as mayor, running on a strongly pro-LGBTQ+ platform. These results were mirrored in Pennsylvania and California, where outcomes favored LGBTQ+ rights. Perhaps most telling are the local races, where the impact of these policies is felt most directly. Pro-transgender candidates won school board seats in Loudoun County and Arlington County, areas where anti-trans rhetoric had been particularly heated. These election outcomes emphatically reject the notion that Democrats must soften their stance on LGBTQ+ rights to win elections. Instead, they suggest that the anti-transgender panic in American politics may be receding, with voters prioritizing inclusive policies and equal rights. I ask you to recognize this shift in public opinion and to stand firmly for transgender rights in our district. By doing so, you'll not only be supporting a marginalized community but also aligning yourself with a political stance that resonates with a growing majority of voters. Let's make our district a leader in equality and inclusivity.