FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2026
NATIONAL – Transgender Law Center joins communities from Texas, Missouri, and Michigan, among others, in celebrating the results of the 2026 Midterm Elections. Across the South and Midwest, voters came together in our collective power to drive towards the future we all deserve. In Texas, where TLC has litigated numerous times against Attorney General Ken Paxton, we are heartened that trans Texans can breathe just a bit easier in having held accountable two elected officials who used their offices to target trans, immigrant, and Black community members.
“The results in Texas are encouraging as we continue to challenge an unlawful student censorship law in the state,” said Lynly Egyes (she/her), Legal Director. “Every trans young person deserves the freedom to learn and be themselves in all aspects of their lives. I’m hopeful that our lawsuit can move forward to help secure a future where every trans kid in Texas is able to live as their authentic selves.”
This election, our communities showed the strength and power we have when we come together as a collective to defend our families, neighbors, and loved ones. We celebrate the win on Amendment 3 in Missouri, where voters made it known that every person deserves autonomy over their bodies and healthcare decisions. In the four other states which had anti-trans measures on the ballot, we know that these fights were close and they are not over. And the trans leaders who built multi-racial, multi-class, and multi-issue campaigns this cycle will continue to nurture our collective power until our states can be places for trans young people to thrive.
“Tonight’s victory belongs to the transgender Missourians who refused to let politicians tell their stories for them,” said Katy Erker-Lynch (she/they), Executive Director of PROMO, Missouri’s LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization. “They knocked doors, had difficult conversations, appeared in TV ads, and showed their neighbors the real people behind the political attacks. Missouri voters heard them and sent a clear message: our healthcare decisions belong to us, not politicians. Trans Missourians proved once again that trans, gender expansive and queer Missourians are not an abstraction or political liability. We are a powerful force for change.”
What we also saw this election is sticking to our values is a winning strategy. Last night, politicians won who loudly and proudly supported the right for every trans young person to live their lives as their authentic selves.
“We know that a better future is possible when our people come together to fight for the freedoms we deserve,” said Mariah Moore (she/her), Director of Programs. “The billionaires trying to divide us are scared of the power we already have and the power we are building across states and across movements. I know that far beyond this election we will keep organizing together to create the world we want to live in—a world that allows all of us the freedom to belong.”
We can learn from those who never wavered in their position; from people like Abdul El-Sayed and Peggy Flanagan who believe trans people deserve the freedom to play, to win, and belong no matter who they are. What comes next then is holding our elected officials to account to ensure our families and our communities have the resources they need to thrive. As we move forward beyond election day, we will continue to wield our collective power—across race, class, and gender—to build the world we desire and deserve.
##
Contact
Sara Mar, Senior Media Relations Manager, [email protected]
Sue Yacka-Bible, Communications Director, [email protected]