ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Garden State Equality Action Fund has announced its second wave of endorsements for the 2025 General Election, highlighting candidates with a track record of defending LGBTQ+ rights and those who have campaigned on pro-equality platforms.

“We are proud to share with our 150,000+ members the candidates who have proven they will fight for equality at every level of government,” said Garden State Equality Action Fund Board Chair Jeannine Frisby LaRue. “As a Black woman who has spent my life breaking barriers in politics and government, I know firsthand that rights are never guaranteed—they are defended and expanded only when we elect leaders with courage. This November, the future of lived and legal equality in New Jersey is not just at stake—it’s on the ballot.”

“We need leaders who will not waver in the face of hate,” said Garden State Equality Deputy Director Brielle Winslow-Majette. “Our best defense against anti-LGBTQ+ attacks nationally is to ensure our school boards, city councils, county commissions, Assembly, and Governor’s Office is filled with individuals ready to defend and advance our communities. The true power is in our local elections, and within our local communities, so we’re counting on you exercising your power at the ballot box to ensure New Jersey stays dedicated to leading the charge towards lived equality.”

“New Jersey has the power to change outcomes for our community nationally, particularly our LGBTQ+ youth, and ensure an environment in which advocates are able to continue the forward movement of queer and trans rights under a hostile federal government,” said Senior Director of Advocacy & Organizing Lauren Albrecht. “Our youth are counting on us to reject politicians who would strip away our rights, restrict our freedoms, and fuel violence against us. And make no mistake: the eyes of the nation are on New Jersey to elect a governor who will stand up to Trump’s dangerous agenda and keep our state moving forward on queer and trans rights.”

Given the gravity of this year’s election, we have also launched our Voters for Equality Toolkit. This toolkit will keep voters informed of key deadlines, rules for in-person and mail-in voting, and more. Learn more here.

The Garden State Equality Action Fund endorses candidates through a careful screening process that sees them share not only their views on LGBTQ+ people and issues but also how they will protect our communities and bring an intersectional approach to advancing lived and legal equality while in office.

Click here to view the entire list of endorsements.