This bisexual Democrat is hoping to unseat anti-LGBT Republican lawmaker Steve Knight
A Republican congressman who is known for his anti-LGBT views will face a challenge from an out-and-proud Democrat.
Steve Knight is the member of the US House of Representatives for California’s 25th congressional district.
The lawmaker was behind a 2016 plot to pass a law permitting sweeping anti-LGBT discrimination in all federal agencies by attaching it to a defence spending bill.
He was accused of “catering to right wing extremists who would turn back the clock on equality” with the proposal to exempt religious contractors from anti-discrimination rules.
Knight also insists that marriage is “a union of one man and one woman” and opposed California’s ban on gay ‘cure’ therapy.
But the lawmaker, who only won the seat in 2014 and 2016 by a three percent margin, is facing a challenge from an out Democratic lawmaker.
Katie Hill, who is bisexual, won enough votes in this week’s primaries to secure a spot on the November ballot against Knight.
Katie Hill
She is backed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which supports out candidates in races across the US in a bid to secure better representation in politics.
Former Mayor of Houston Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, said: “Katie’s victory sets up a general election battle between her positive, solutions-oriented vision for the district and the politics of hate and destruction her opponent thrives on.
“Steve Knight and his family made careers out of attacking LGBTQ people and working to rollback equal rights. Now, voters have an opportunity to defeat him with an openly bisexual woman who has pledged to represent all her constituents.
“Katie will make history in becoming the first openly LGBTQ Congresswoman from California if elected in November, but more importantly, she will head to Capitol Hill determined to reduce the divisiveness and produce actual results for all Americans.”
She is one of a slate of LGBTQ Democratic candidates who won their primary races.
Amelia Marquez, who is the Democratic candidate in the race for Montana’s 52nd state house district, could become Montana’s first openly transgender legislator the nation’s second openly transgender state legislator if she wins over Republican Rodney Garcia.
Amelia Marquez
Tippi McCullough is set to become the only openly LGBTQ person in the Arkansas state legislature, with no Republican candidate standing.
McCullough’s expected victory comes five years after she was forced to resign her teaching job because of her sexuality.
Lamont Robinson, standing in Illinois’ 5th state house district, would become the first openly gay African-American state legislator in Illinois history if elected.
