Two Gay Candidates Face Off for Congress For the First Time in U.S. History
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In a historic first, two out gay candidates are facing off against each other for congress in New York State.
Mainstream Democrat Robert Zimmerman and conservative Republican George Santos are polar opposites. One of the only things they may have in common is that they’re both gay.
But based on their age, they seemingly reflect differently on that too.
“Growing up, I never dreamed we would have a member of the LGBTQ+ community representing Long Island or Queens in Congress,” Zimmerman told Dias.
“It just shows this country is an equal opportunity for everyone,” Santos said.
Santos doesn’t have former President Donald Trump’s endorsement but supports him and proudly admits Trump is part of the reason why he’s running for Congress and went to the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6.
“That was the most amazing crowd, and the president was at his full awesomeness that day,” he said in an interview
Santos is against abortion and supports the so-called “Don’t say gay bill” for education in Florida. Zimmerman is for abortion and adamantly against the Florida bill.
As polarizing as the candidates may be, when it comes to policies, they do strongly agree on at least one thing — marriage equality and making sure it is not reversed.
“It’s not going to happen on my watch. I have fought those fights and I am not going to see another generation endure that again,” said Zimmerman.
Recently, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said marriage equality should be reconsidered when Roe v. Wade was overturned. But these candidates see the severity of that opinion, in opposite ways.
“It is powerfully impactful,” Zimmerman said.
“It is nothing more than a legal essay,” said Santos.
Policies aside, the representation in this election is historic. Never have two members of the LGBTQ community run against one another in the General Election for Congress.
According to The Hill: Zimmerman and Santos are two of 101 openly LGBTQ+ candidates to seek a seat in Congress this election cycle, the most in U.S. history, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which has endorsed Zimmerman in the race. “LGBT candidates are more electable than ever before,” Cesar Toledo, the group’s political director, told Changing America in an interview.
Toledo said more races between openly LGBTQ+ candidates are expected to happen moving forward as the number of openly LGBTQ+ people running for public office continues to spike. More than 1,000 ran for office this year, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which advocates for equitable representation in government.
Watch the clip below.
