Speaker Ryan Fecteau One of 26 LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Nationwide Recognized in Inaugural LGBTQ+ Victory Institute 2025 LGBTQ+ Political Power List
The list showcases a diverse group of state and local LGBTQ+ officials nationwide, highlighting the power and impact of LGBTQ+ individuals.
AUGUSTA – Maine House Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau (D-Biddeford) last week was named to the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s LGBTQ+ Political Power List, a list of 26 LGBTQ+ elected power players. A companion to the 2025 Out for America report, the list highlights just some of the impactful LGBTQ+ changemakers serving in state and local offices.
“LGBTQ+ elected officials not only serve with pride and distinction, but do the hard work every day of making our communities better and protecting rights and equality for all,” said President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, Evan Low. “LGBTQ+ public servants drive progress, make history and possess a wealth of lived experience, knowledge and political prowess. This list is just the tip of the iceberg of the at least 1,334 out LGBTQ+ elected officials nationwide and a testament to their incredible impact.”
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ elected representation through education, programming and support initiatives. The group of 26 elected officials are essential to advancing equality in their communities and show the possibilities of LGBTQ+ representation in government.
“It is an honor to be named to this list along with many other dedicated state and local public servants,” said Speaker Ryan D. Fecteau. “Representation matters, and visibility matters–perhaps more than ever. What makes being named to this list so incredible is seeing what each person has accomplished for their constituencies: childcare access, affordable housing, fixing roads, strengthening public education, and so much more. These are, of course, not LGBTQ+ issues. These are American issues. This is a list of leaders who get stuff done.”
In addition to Speaker Fecteau, the list includes the following public servants:
· Colorado Gov. Jared Polis
· Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey
· Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek
· RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi
· New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher
· California Assemblymember Chris Ward
· California State Sen. Caroline Menjivar
· San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones
· San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
· Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak
· Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin
· Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
· Guam Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio
· Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones
· Nashville Metro Council member Olivia Hill
· Hawaii state Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto
· Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
· Washington House Speaker Laurie Jinkins
· Washington Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen
· Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell
· Texas state Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons
· Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr
· Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
· Iowa State Rep. Aime Wichtendahl
· Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy
The Out for America report is the most comprehensive census of LGBTQ+ elected representation in the United States. Since 2017, the report has documented the growth and diversity of LGBTQ+ representation in local, state and federal government. Read the full report and get more information on the honorees here.
About LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
Through leadership development, trainings and convenings, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works to achieve and sustain global equality by increasing the number, expanding the diversity of and ensuring the success of out LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials at all levels of government. Learn more at victoryinstitute.org.
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