By Michael Roth

I spent the past weekend at Lambertville-New Hope Pride Parade. It was an outstanding expression of community, love, and resiliency. Families, neighbors, businesses, and advocates came out to celebrate the principle that every individual has the right to be treated with dignity, be free of violence, and enjoy equal protection under the law.

This type of event is more important than ever before, as politicians are using rhetoric of hate to deny so many LGBTQ+ Americans their basic right to be who they are. Fear comes in handy for a politician who is not delivering on their promises, but we ought to call out this distraction tactic. If leaders can't lower costs, make healthcare more affordable, or help families put food on the table, they choose someone to point a finger at.

Every time the stock market dropped in 2025, the Trump administration signed another executive order targeted at trans people.

The housing crisis was not created by the trans community.

LGBTQ+ Americans are not the reason grocery bills are higher, healthcare is unaffordable, or Washington is dysfunctional.

No young person should ever get turned into a political punching bag by those who would rather inflame resentment than actually address real issues.

This kind of politics is cruel and dangerous. The reach of political targeting by public officials on vulnerable communities goes way beyond cable news soundbites. They inform the kinds of treatment people receive in schools, workplaces, doctors’ offices, and neighborhoods. They are told by this government that they are not even seen as individuals deserving of respect. This rhetoric deepens fear for families who are already doing everything they can to protect the people they love.

New Jersey has long protected the rights of every resident. In our state, LGBTQ+ people have long-standing protections against discrimination and they have had marriage equality since 2013. That progress is the result of decades of organization, advocacy, and courage from those who were unwilling to settle for second-class citizenship. These rights require constant defense.

I strongly support increases in federal protections against discrimination in employment, housing, education, healthcare, and public accommodations. I support marriage equality, the Equality Act, and strong enforcement of civil rights protections so LGBTQ+ people cannot be denied care, coverage, housing, opportunity, or dignity because of who they are or who they love.

I believe healthcare decisions belong with patients, families, and their doctors. Politicians should not be inserting themselves into private medical decisions of Americans. That principle applies to reproductive healthcare and to gender-affirming care. I will oppose efforts to restrict care for LGBTQ+ communities, protect funding for clinics and community health centers, defend privacy protections, and fight to ensure people can access care regardless of their zip code, income, or identity.

This commitment to protecting rights and liberties is shown through my work. As CEO of Next Street, I helped expand opportunities and support for communities in need. I have seen what happens when people who were ignored get the help, respect, and support they need: it lifts up all of us.

That is the kind of leadership we need now. Leadership that helps people in need, instead of taking advantage of them. Leadership that unites people instead of turning neighbors against each other. Leadership that deals with problems families face daily.

The Lambertville-New Hope Pride Parade reminded me what we are fighting for. Real people. Real families. Real neighbors. People who should live with respect, safety, freedom and happiness. As your Congressperson, I will stand with LGBTQ+ residents and every community targeted by politicians who use division and hate as a fear tactic. I will fight for full protection under the law. I will defend access to healthcare. I will champion fairness and equality, and I will speak up when vulnerable communities are blamed.

Written 5/20/2026 by Michael Roth, Democratic Candidate for NJ-07, running to deliver results, champion reform, and lower costs. Roth is the only candidate who has fought Trump and created housing and jobs at scale in both his public and private sector work. Roth is a New Jersey native and lives in Westfield. The primary election is Tuesday, June 2.