The 2026 midterms brought historic victories for LGBTQ+ candidates, including groundbreaking wins for transgender and nonbinary representation.
But amid those gains, voters in four states—Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska and Washington—approved ballot measures restricting the rights of transgender youth, underscoring the challenges that remain in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.
The results reflect a broader political campaign against transgender rights, particularly those of young people. Conservative groups and Republican lawmakers have increasingly framed transgender inclusion as a threat to children’s safety and fairness in sports, fueling fears and misconceptions about a community that continues to face widespread discrimination.
In a statement following the election, the National LGBTQ Task Force emphasized the need for continued public education, political engagement and solidarity with transgender communities. The organization acknowledged that there is “a lot of work ahead—for the long haul” and urged transgender people and their allies to continue sharing their experiences and challenging misinformation.
On the legal side, challenges and legislative efforts are also underway in states where anti-transgender measures succeeded.