Advocates for Trans Equality Announces Endorsements for 2024 Election

[Washington, DC] — Less than a week before Election Day, today Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) announced its endorsement of candidates for state and local office in the 2024 election cycle, in addition to endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for President earlier this year.  
 
"Advocates for Trans Equality is enthusiastic about endorsing these candidates who embody the leadership needed to create the positive change we seek in our country. A4TE urges voters in these states to back these exceptional candidates in their general elections, contributing to the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable society for all,” said Josie Caballero, Director of Voting & Elections for the Advocates for Trans Equality. “These transgender candidates have proven their capacity not only to advocate for the transgender community but also to execute impactful campaigns that effectively convey strong legislative policies to the voters.”  
 
A4TE endorses the following candidates: 

Ashley Brundage 

Running for: Florida State House of Representatives, District 65 

Campaign Website: Ashley Brundage for Florida 

Ashley Brundage is an accomplished candidate for Florida's State House District 65, making history as the first openly trans candidate to win a state house primary in Florida with 80% of the vote. Her opponent’s aggressive, high-dollar anti-trans campaign, exceeding $1 million, underscores Ashley’s strong viability to win this race and make history. With a platform centered on trans rights, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth, Ashley is poised to transform Florida's political landscape. 

Nathan Bruemmer 

Running for: Florida House of Representatives, District 61 

Campaign Website: Nathan for Florida 

Nathan is one of the only trans men running in a general election nationwide. He has strong name recognition, having served on the TransAction Advisory Council of Equality Florida. He has been a dedicated advocate for marginalized communities, with work that includes St. Pete Pride and ALSO Youth. His campaign emphasizes inclusivity, affordable housing, and social justice for all Floridians. 

Emma Lee Curtis 

Running for: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, District 4 (Kentucky) 

Campaign Website: Emma for Lex 

Emma Lee Curtis, a lifelong Kentuckian and community advocate. She is running for Urban County Council, District 4, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. Her work with groups like the Kentucky Young Democrats, ACLU of Kentucky, and the Fairness Campaign underscores her commitment to social justice, mental healthcare access, anti-discrimination protections for all, and LGBTQ+ youth. If elected, she will make history and become the first openly trans lawmaker in Kentucky. 

Leigh Finke 

Running for: Minnesota House of Representatives 

Campaign Website: Leigh for MN 

Leigh Finke is running for re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives. She is a champion of inclusive healthcare, affordable housing, and educational equality in the Minnesota House. With a background in journalism and two decades of activism, she is dedicated to securing protections for the LGBTQ+ community, including a trans-inclusive Equal Rights Amendment. Endorsed by Women Winning and Planned Parenthood, Leigh aims to continue building a more equitable Minnesota for all residents. 

Veronica Pejril 

Running for: Indiana State Senate, District 24 

Campaign Website: Veronica for Indiana 

Veronica Pejril, the first openly transgender elected official in Indiana. She is running for an open seat in State Senate District 24. With no incumbent and competitive Democratic state house races in the district’s most populated area will increase Democratic turnout boosts her chances of victory. Currently serving on the Greencastle City Council, she is committed to protecting trans rights, expanding healthcare access, and promoting inclusive education. 

Rachael Booth 

Running for: New Hampshire State House of Representatives, Grafton County, District 5 

Campaign Website: Rachael Booth on Facebook 

Rachael Booth is a Navy Vietnam veteran and experienced candidate running for the NH State House in Grafton County’s tight race for two seats in District 5. As a long-time educator on trans issues and current Selectboard member, she is committed to protecting trans youth, fighting misinformation, and fostering legislative understanding. Endorsed by VoteVets, Rachael brings a lifetime of advocacy and aims to create a more inclusive and informed New Hampshire. 

Dee Elder 

Running for: South Carolina Senate 

Campaign Website: Elect Elder 2024 

Dee Elder is the first Democrat to run for this South Carolina Senate seat since the early 1900s and would be the first openly trans lawmaker in the state if elected. Her campaign centers on repealing restrictive gender-affirming care laws, advancing anti-discrimination measures, and passing a long-overdue hate crime law. Dee is committed to fighting for trans rights and equality across South Carolina. 

Lexi Melton 

Running for: Tennessee State House of Representatives, District 35 

Campaign Website: Lexi Melton for Tennessee 

Lexi Melton is running for Tennessee State House in District 35. She brings her background in nuclear medicine and healthcare to advocate for better access to healthcare in TN. Focusing on including protecting access to gender-affirming care in TN. Massive redistricting has reshaped the district, providing Lexi a decent path to victory. Endorsed by groups like Moms Demand Action and ChangeTN, she aims to make Tennessee safer and more inclusive for all especially trans individuals. 

Allison Heimes 

Running for: Nebraska Legislature District 39 

Campaign Website: Heimes for Nebraska 

Allison Heimes is running for an open seat in the Nebraska Legislature after a competitive primary. Driven by personal experience in mental health advocacy and with two trans cousins, she is committed to protecting trans rights. She is dedicated to opposing restrictive healthcare laws and promoting trans inclusivity. Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, and Mental Health Now, Allison aims to create a supportive Nebraska for all residents. 
 
All of these candidates, whether trans or allies to the LGBTQI+ community, are dedicated to advancing trans rights and social justice. For more information about A4TE’s endorsed candidates and how you can support their campaigns, please visit https://transequality.org/elections/endorsements