LGBTQ+ candidates notch key wins in California congressional primaries

Out candidates Marni von Wilpert and Scott Wiener both advanced in California congressional races Tuesday, creating an opportunity for the Golden State to expand LGBTQ+ representation in Congress this November.Wiener, a state senator representing San Francisco, won more than 41 percent of the vote in California's 11th Congressional District primary, finishing well ahead of his nearest competitor.“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. This campaign is powered by people who believe deeply that government can make a real difference in people’s lives, and that’s what I’ll deliver in Washington,” Wiener, posted on X. “San Franciscans understands 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. I’ll go to the mat to defend immigrants and trans people, to deliver real results on housing affordability, and to restore government’s ability to deliver on its promises.”He’s running to succeed retiring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a long-time LGBTQ ally. Pelosi had endorsed Connie Chan, a San Francisco County Supervisor who came in second place with 28.6 percent of the vote.LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations celebrated Wiener's first-place finish."HRC is thrilled to congratulate longtime LGBTQ+ champion Scott Wiener on his outstanding primary performance," Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said in a statement. "We need more voices like Wiener in Washington. Not only would he expand the number of openly LGBTQ+ members of Congress, he has a record of impact and delivering for his constituents."Equalit