Support LGBTQ+ Rights as Core Democratic Values, Not Optional Issues

I am writing to urge you to stand firmly with LGBTQ+ constituents and recognize that supporting their rights is not a fringe position but a fundamental Democratic value that voters expect and demand. Recent North Carolina primary results demonstrate this clearly. In March 2025, Nasif Majeed, the state's most prominent anti-transgender Democrat, lost his primary to progressive challenger Veleria Levy by more than 40 points, 69% to 27%. Majeed had provided the sole Democratic vote necessary for Republicans to override Governor Josh Stein's veto of HB 805, a sweeping anti-trans omnibus bill in July 2025. When asked to explain his vote, he only offered vague references to "moral issues" and "deep sentiments." The North Carolina Democratic Party revoked his access to VoteBuilder following this betrayal. Levy, a community health policy advocate with over 20 years of experience, ran explicitly on a pro-LGBTQ+ platform and will take office unopposed. Other anti-transgender Democrats also suffered decisive defeats. Former Representative Michael Wray, who voted to override vetoes on transgender sports and healthcare bans, lost 64% to 36%. Conservative Democrat Carla Cunningham lost her primary 70% to 22%. This pattern extends beyond North Carolina. Texas Democrat Shawn Thierry lost her 2024 primary runoff 65-35% after voting for a gender-affirming care ban. Kansas Democrat Marvin Robinson received just 22% of the vote after being the sole Democratic vote to override a transgender sports ban veto. Despite some Democratic politicians suggesting the party should moderate on transgender issues, a recent Fox News survey shows the American public sides with Democrats over Republicans on transgender issues at a plus 22 margin. Democratic voters have sent a clear message: abandoning transgender constituents does not win new supporters but costs politicians their seats. I urge you to recognize that supporting LGBTQ+ rights is the baseline expectation for Democratic leadership, not a negotiable position. Stand with all your constituents.