In a significant stride for LGBTQ+ representation, California has seen two prominent candidates, Scott Wiener and Marni von Wilpert, advance in their respective congressional races. This development has sparked optimism for increased LGBTQ+ voices in the upcoming November elections.
The Golden State’s primary elections, held on Tuesday, have set the stage for a historic general election in November. With Wiener and von Wilpert securing their spots, the focus now shifts to the potential expansion of LGBTQ+ representation in Congress.
Scott Wiener’s Triumph in San Francisco
Scott Wiener, a California state senator representing San Francisco, emerged victorious in the primary for California’s 11th Congressional District. Wiener garnered more than 41 percent of the vote, significantly outpacing his nearest competitor.
In a post on X, Wiener expressed gratitude and outlined his vision for the future. “Thank you, San Francisco! Tonight, the voters sent a clear message: they’re ready for a new vision on housing affordability, ICE accountability, smart guardrails on AI, single-payer healthcare, and affordable clean energy. Even more than that, San Franciscans are ready for results.”
Wiener emphasized his commitment to bold ideas and protecting vulnerable communities. “San Franciscans understand that in the face of rising authoritarianism, we can’t return to the pre-Trump status quo. In Congress, I’ll do what I’ve done throughout my time in public leadership: stick my neck out for bold ideas that make people’s lives better and more affordable.”
Support from LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations
Wiener’s success has been met with enthusiasm from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), praised Wiener’s performance. “HRC is thrilled to congratulate longtime LGBTQ+ champion Scott Wiener on his outstanding primary performance.”
Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, highlighted Wiener’s impactful record. “Scott Wiener is one of the nation’s most effective champions for LGBTQ+ people. The result reflects voters’ confidence in a proven leader who has spent his career delivering results for San Francisco and standing up for equality.”
Wiener’s Legislative Achievements
For nearly a decade, Wiener has been a driving force in the California Legislature, authoring legislation to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, combat discrimination, and expand healthcare access. His supporters note his efforts to strengthen protections for people living with HIV and make California a refuge for transgender youth.
In the final weeks of the race, Equality California Votes, an affiliated federal super PAC, launched a six-figure connected television and digital advertising campaign supporting Wiener. The organization had previously invested approximately $1.5 million in supporting his successful 2016 state Senate campaign.
Marni von Wilpert’s Historic Run in San Diego
In a race with significant partisan stakes, Marni von Wilpert, a San Diego city councilmember, advanced in California’s 48th Congressional District. Republican U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa announced in March that he would not seek reelection after a new congressional map shifted the district toward Democrats.
Von Wilpert, a bisexual Democrat, finished second with 19.5 percent of the vote in a 12-candidate race. She will now face off against Republican Jim Desmond, who led the field with 41.6 percent of the vote. Desmond was one of only two Republicans in the race, while several Democrats split the vote.
Von Wilpert expressed her excitement on Facebook. “Incredible results tonight — #CA48 is ready for leadership that takes on Trump’s reckless agenda and puts working families first. Onwards to November!”
Equality California’s Endorsement
Equality California celebrated von Wilpert’s advancement, highlighting her work opposing censorship of inclusive library materials and supporting policies protecting LGBTQ+ people and their families. “Tonight’s results are an important step toward electing a proven pro-equality champion in CA-48 who understands what’s at stake for LGBTQ+ people, reproductive freedom, and our democracy,” Hoang said.
If elected, von Wilpert would become the only out LGBTQ+ woman representing California in Congress. This historic opportunity has garnered support from national LGBTQ+ political leaders, including the Equality PAC, which called the California primary a “clean sweep” after all four of its endorsed congressional candidates advanced to the November ballot.
A Competitive Race Ahead
According to Dave’s Redistricting data, the district has a 50.6% Democratic lean and a 48.7% Republican lean, setting up one of the most competitive elections in California in November. Reps. Mark Takano and Robert Garcia, two of the most powerful gay Democratic members of Congress, also advanced to the November election.
“Yesterday’s results represent a clean sweep for Equality PAC and a powerful victory for LGBTQ representation in California and across our country,” Equality PAC Co-Chairs Takano and Ritchie Torres of New York said in a statement. “We were especially proud to support Marni von Wilpert and Scott Wiener in two closely watched races.”
