Equality Caucus Announces Co-Chairs for the 119th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus announced that the following members will serve as Co-Chairs of the caucus in the 119th Congress: Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Sharice L. Davids (KS-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), and Emily Randall (WA-06). The CEC previously announced that Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) as Chair for this Congress.
“In Congress, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus will be critical lines of defense against attacks by the anti-equality majorities in the House and Senate, as well as President-elect Trump’s cruel anti-LGBTQI+ policies,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “I am grateful to have this historic group of LGBTQI+ members as my partners in leading the Equality Caucus this Congress.”
“It was a great honor to serve as Chair of the Equality Caucus last Congress, and I am excited to continue as a Co-Chair of the caucus,” said Co-Chair Mark Pocan. “There will be no shortage of attacks on our community from the GOP Majority in the 119th Congress, but our caucus will be laser-focused on defending the rights and freedoms of millions of Americans.”
“It’s been an honor to serve alongside my fellow Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus over the past six years as we fight extremist attacks against the LGBTQ+ community that do nothing to lower costs or help everyday Americans,” said Co-Chair Angie Craig. “While some try to create fake culture wars, I look forward to working on behalf of all of my constituents, including LGBTQ+ folks in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District and across the country, who deserve to feel safe and supported in the places they call home.”
“As attacks on LGBTQI+ rights persist across all levels of government, we must stand up for what’s right and push back against these harmful policies, particularly those targeting our young people,” said Co-Chair Sharice L. Davids. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I’m proud to work with my colleagues to ensure everyone—no matter who they are or whom they love—can live as their authentic selves without fear.”
"I'm honored to be rejoining the Congressional Equality Caucus as a Co-Chair once again in the 119th Congress," said Co-Chair Chris Pappas. “We know there are difficult challenges ahead for our community, and I stand ready to continue fighting for equality for all LGBTQI+ individuals in the face of increased hate and bigotry. All Americans deserve the same protections under the law, and I remain committed to working together to ensure LGBTQI+ Americans are free to live their lives free from discrimination.”
“As we continue the fight for full equality for all LGBTQ+ Americans, I am thrilled to welcome Congresswomen Sarah McBride, Julie Johnson, and Emily Randall as co-chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus,” said Co-Chair Ritchie Torres. Their groundbreaking leadership, lived experiences, and unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights will be invaluable as we tackle the challenges ahead under an increasingly hostile Republican administration and Congress. Together, with the continued leadership of our returning co-chairs, we will build on the progress we’ve made and ensure that the promise of equality is realized for everyone in this nation.”
“Our work as leaders on the Equality Caucus is going to be more critical than ever as we enter a second Trump presidency. Because we know when we make progress there is always pushback. There is no limit to how low Trump and his homophobic, transphobic MAGA allies will go to spread fear toward our community to score political wins. With a narrower majority than ever, House Republicans have no mandate to roll back LGBTQI+ rights, but we know they will try,” said Co-Chair Becca Balint. “I’m proud to serve another term as Co-chair with a historic number of LGBTQI+ Representatives in the House alongside Chair Takano. Millions of Americans are counting on us to protect our community from the Trump Administration.”
"It’s an honor to continue serving as a Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus alongside my distinguished colleagues. As the first LGBTQI+ immigrant elected to Congress, I know how important is to stand together and fight against the increasing attacks on our community," said Co-Chair Robert Garcia. "Every person in our country deserves dignity and respect and I’m excited to join my colleagues working to defend our rights to love and be ourselves.”
“I’m honored again to serve as a Co-Chair for the Congressional Equality Caucus in the 119th Congress,” said Co-Chair Eric Sorensen. “As the first openly LGBTQI+ Member of Congress from Illinois, I know how important it is to defend the progress we’ve made while fighting for a future where every person—no matter who they are or who they love—has equal rights and opportunities. In the face of rising anti-LGBTQI+ hate, I’m committed standing strong against attacks and ensuring the voices of our community are heard and valued in every corner of our country.”
"As the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from the South, I am thrilled to serve as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus for the 119th Congress. Right now, LGBTQ Americans and their families are uncertain about what the future holds. And it is our job to make sure they have what they need to thrive,” said Co-Chair Julie Johnson. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies that protect and defend our LGBTQ community. That includes passing the Equality Act, landmark civil rights legislation that will enshrine our rights into law and put an end to discriminatory practices that target members of our community and their families."
“On January 3, when I was sworn into Congress, I promised to deliver for all Delawareans, including LGBTQI+ Delawareans. In 2019, I worked to pass the Equality Act as an advocate. Now, in 2025, as Delaware’s Congresswoman, I will continue that work,” said Co-Chair Sarah McBride. “As we face another Trump presidency, the work of the CEC is more important than ever. I’m proud to join to expand and defend equality for all Delawareans.”
"I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus (and as the first openly queer Latina to serve in Congress!),” said Co-Chair Emily Randall. “Our work toward a more equitable, healthy, and bright future is more important than ever. Our LGBTQ+ community is facing unprecedented attacks from across the aisle and legislative chambers across the nation. Alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am committed to working to protect the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere"
The election of Representatives Johnson, McBride, and Randall brings the total number of openly-LGBTQI+ sitting members of the House of Representatives to a record-breaking 12. For the first time, there will be an equal number of openly-LGBTQI+ women and men serving as leaders of the Congressional Equality Caucus.
Each new Co-Chairs of CEC represents a first in Congress: Rep. Johnson is the first openly-LGBTQI+ woman elected to the House from the South; Rep. McBride is the first openly-transgender Member of Congress; and Rep. Randall is the first openly-queer Latina to serve in Congress.
As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus, the above Representatives will shape the direction and priorities of the Equality Caucus for the 119th Congress and lead LGBTQI+ allies in Congress in the fight to protect LGBTQI+ people and their rights.