As the primary election in Washington state approaches, the Equality PAC is brimming with optimism about a potential historic win. The political action committee, which focuses on electing pro-equality candidates to Congress, has thrown its full support behind state Senator Emily Randall. If successful, Randall could become the first LGBTQ+ Latina elected to Congress and the first openly queer person to represent Washington at the federal level.
Randall has already made history as the first LGBTQ+ state senator in Washington. Now, she is vying for the 6th Congressional District seat, a district represented exclusively by white men for its 91-year history. Randall’s victory would be a significant milestone not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for women and people of color in the state.
“We are incredibly excited about Emily’s candidacy and the momentum she has built,” said Equality PAC Co-Chair Rep. Mark Takano. “Emily represents the future of our country—a future where diversity, equality, and representation are at the forefront. Her election would send a powerful message that our democracy truly includes all voices.”
Randall’s campaign has gained substantial traction, supported by her solid legislative record and endorsements from influential figures and organizations. Since her election to the Washington state Senate in 2018, Randall has been a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, higher education, and LGBTQ+ issues. She has sponsored or co-sponsored nearly 200 bills, with significant achievements in expanding abortion access and creating comprehensive financial aid programs for college students.
Equality PAC has provided substantial financial support to Randall’s campaign, committing significant resources to ensure her success in the primary. The PAC’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand the number of LGBTQ+ members in Congress, a goal that has gained renewed urgency amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies from right-wing factions. Vermont U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, the first woman and lesbian elected to Congress from the state and Equality PAC co-chair, highlighted the significance of Randall’s candidacy, emphasizing the importance of representation in the House of Representatives.
“The election of a lesbian, wise Latina like Emily Randall is going to be the ultimate middle finger to the homophobes of the far right,” said Equality PAC co-chair U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres. “The far right has never been more radicalized against the LGBTQ+ community as it is in our present moment. But we cannot take our progress for granted. We have to keep fighting, remain vigilant, and ensure that we are sufficiently represented in the halls of power, including in the halls of the United States Congress.”
The primary election results will be closely watched, with Randall’s supporters and the Equality PAC hopeful that a new chapter in Washington’s political history will be written. Washington’s primary election is conducted entirely by mail-in ballot.
