Nebraska Makes LGBTQ Political History With Megan Hunt: Voters Send First Openly LGBTQ Person to Its State Legislature

Yesterday, Nebraska voters made history in electing Megan Hunt, the first openly LGBTQ candidate ever elected to their state legislature. LGBTQ people are severely underrepresented in Nebraska government, with just four openly LGBTQ elected officials currently serving in the entire state. Before tonight, Nebraska was one of just seven states that had never elected an openly LGBTQ state legislator. Victory Fund made Hunt a “Spotlight” candidate and launched a $32,700 independent expenditure to elect her.

“Megan defied the odds and shattered a long-standing political barrier in Nebraska, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the state legislature,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “Nebraska was one of the few states in the nation where LGBTQ people have never had a voice in their state government, depriving legislative debates of an LGBTQ perspective. This is a milestone moment for LGBTQ Nebraskans, but it was Megan’s values-driven agenda, not her sexual orientation, that won over voters on Election Day. Yet the openness about her life lent her an authenticity rarely found in politicians, and it clearly resonated with voters.”