The 2024 Rainbow Wave: Tracking LGBTQ+ Representation in State Legislatures
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Hanna K. Brant
and
Jordan Butcher
Abstract
Following the 2024 election, LGBTQ+ representation in state legislatures increased, yet, at the same time, 2024 also marked a record-breaking year for anti-trans legislation being introduced in the states. In this brief note, we explore LGBTQ+ representation in U.S. state legislatures, the unique backgrounds of the 2024 newcomers, and how minority representation across the states continues to increase despite national rhetoric indicating otherwise. Our snapshot of the 2024 election cycle contributes to an increased interest in LGBTQ+ incumbency as more individuals seek and win elective office. Notably, we find that LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary incumbents are far more likely to be challenged in the general election than men and win with a smaller margin.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Donald Haider-Markel, Charles Gosset, Patrick Gauding, Andrew Flores, Daniel C. Lewis, Patrick R. Miller, Barry Tadlock, and Jami K. Taylor for sharing data on LGBTQ+ candidates.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
Appendix Table A1 : Number of LGBTQ+ Lawmakers by State.
| State | Number of LGBTQ+ legislators | State | Number of LGBTQ+ legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1 | Montana | 4 |
| Alaska | 2 | Nebraska | 3 |
| Arizona | 5 | Nevada | 3 |
| Arkansas | 1 | New Hampshire | 14 |
| California | 15 | New Jersey | 2 |
| Colorado | 6 | New Mexico | 5 |
| Connecticut | 4 | New York | 7 |
| Florida | 6 | North Carolina | 6 |
| Georgia | 4 | North Dakota | 3 |
| Hawaii | 8 | Ohio | 1 |
| Idaho | 3 | Oklahoma | 3 |
| Illinois | 0 | Oregon | 5 |
| Illinois | 2 | Pennsylvania | 7 |
| Indiana | 1 | Rhode Island | 6 |
| Iowa | 4 | South Carolina | 1 |
| Kansas | 3 | South Dakota | 1 |
| Kentucky | 1 | Tennessee | 2 |
| Louisiana | 0 | Texas | 10 |
| Maine | 11 | Utah | 1 |
| Maryland | 8 | Vermont | 11 |
| Massachusetts | 10 | Virginia | 9 |
| Michigan | 6 | Washington | 7 |
| Minnesota | 13 | West Virginia | 2 |
| Mississippi | 1 | Wisconsin | 10 |
| Missouri | 5 | Wyoming | 0 |
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