2020 Congressional Candidates

2020 Congressional Candidates

SC Equality Coalition endorses House and Senate Pro-Equality Leaders

On May 17, 2019 the U.S. House made history by passing the Equality Act — crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws — for the first time. Never before had a comprehensive LGBTQ non-discrimination bill passed a chamber of the U.S. Congress. The candidates endorsed today were absolutely crucial to that victory in the House and will be crucial to establishing a pro-equality majority in the U.S. Senate to break Sen. Mitch McConnell’s stranglehold on LGBTQ rights and protections.

With a new pro-equality Senate majority alongside the House pro-equality majority, we have the opportunity not just to pass the Equality Act, but ensure access to quality, affordable health care is protected, common sense gun safety legislation can be considered, voting rights can be advanced, and anti-equality judges are not appointed to our federal courts and the Supreme Court.

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SC Equality Coalition endorses House and Senate Pro-Equality Leaders

On May 17, 2019 the U.S. House made history by passing the Equality Act — crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws — for the first time. Never before had a comprehensive LGBTQ non-discrimination bill passed a chamber of the U.S. Congress. The candidates endorsed today were absolutely crucial to that victory in the House and will be crucial to establishing a pro-equality majority in the U.S. Senate to break Sen. Mitch McConnell’s stranglehold on LGBTQ rights and protections.

With a new pro-equality Senate majority alongside the House pro-equality majority, we have the opportunity not just to pass the Equality Act, but ensure access to quality, affordable health care is protected, common sense gun safety legislation can be considered, voting rights can be advanced, and anti-equality judges are not appointed to our federal courts and the Supreme Court.

Sign Up.  Receive Email Updates!

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Get notified about important news, action alerts and upcoming events.

Congressional

Jaime Harrison

U.S. Senate

To Jaime Harrison, character always matters, hard work is in his bones, doing what’s right is a way of life, and making good on his debt of gratitude to South Carolina is a lifelong commitment.

The son of a single teenage mom, and raised by his grandparents in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Jaime overcame the challenges of grinding poverty with the help of teachers and mentors who believed in him. From a mobile home to Yale University and Georgetown Law, Jaime never forgot who he was or where he came from.

Learn more about Jaime Harrison

Rep. Joe Cunningham

1st Congressional District

“A year ago, I was proud to help pass the Equality Act through the House but we still have more work to do,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-1). “I’m honored to be endorsed by SC Equality Coalition and look forward to standing with them in the fight for equality for all.”

“I believe in equal protection under the law for everyone, no matter who you are, or who you love. We have made so much progress towards equality under the law and in our society as a whole, but there is still much that we can do to improve the climate for our LGBTQ community. Let’s pass the Equality Act and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity with regard to employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service–so that everyone can participate equally in all aspects of American life.”

Learn more about Joe Cunningham

Adair Ford Boroughs

2nd Congressional District

With an eye toward supporting hard-working, low-income families like those she grew up with, Adair Ford Boroughs has always known who she’s fighting for. From growing up in a double-wide trailer in Williston, South Carolina, to representing the American people in the U.S. Department of Justice, Adair has gone after cheating corporations and millionaires, ensured access to affordable legal services, and brought justice to grieving families. She has used her talent and intellect to forge change and solutions that help regular people. Adair is committed and rooted to the people of South Carolina. Her perspective and work ethic is needed in Congress.

Endorsed by Rep. Jim Clyburn; Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia; Former Governor Richard “Dick” Riley; Former Governor and First Lady Jim and Rachel Hodges; Rep. Todd Rutherford, House Minority Leader; Inez Tenenbaum, Former S.C. Superintendent of Education.

Learn more about Adair Boroughs

Rep. Jim Clyburn

6th Congressional District

Last year, with the crucial support of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the U.S. House passed the Equality Act, historic and crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws. But rather than giving LGBTQ people a fair shot, Sen. McConnell has blocked the bill from coming up for a vote. Reelecting a pro-equality House will be absolutely crucial to not only pass the Equality Act.

“Our nation’s vision is embodied in our Pledge of Allegiance with ‘liberty and justice for all’, and, for too long, that promise has not been realized by too many Americans,” Congressman Clyburn said. “It has been my mission in Congress to stand up for those who have been marginalized, disenfranchised and discriminated against because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I am honored to receive this endorsement and look forward to continuing my work with the Human Rights Campaign to make the vision of America accessible and applicable to all people.”

Learn more about Jim Clyburn

Congressional

Jaime Harrison

U.S. Senate

To Jaime Harrison, character always matters, hard work is in his bones, doing what’s right is a way of life, and making good on his debt of gratitude to South Carolina is a lifelong commitment.

The son of a single teenage mom, and raised by his grandparents in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Jaime overcame the challenges of grinding poverty with the help of teachers and mentors who believed in him. From a mobile home to Yale University and Georgetown Law, Jaime never forgot who he was or where he came from.

Learn more about Jaime Harrison

Rep. Joe Cunningham

1st Congressional District

“A year ago, I was proud to help pass the Equality Act through the House but we still have more work to do,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-1). “I’m honored to be endorsed by SC Equality Coalition and look forward to standing with them in the fight for equality for all.”

“I believe in equal protection under the law for everyone, no matter who you are, or who you love. We have made so much progress towards equality under the law and in our society as a whole, but there is still much that we can do to improve the climate for our LGBTQ community. Let’s pass the Equality Act and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity with regard to employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service–so that everyone can participate equally in all aspects of American life.”

Learn more about Joe Cunningham

Adair Ford Boroughs

2nd Congressional District

With an eye toward supporting hard-working, low-income families like those she grew up with, Adair Ford Boroughs has always known who she’s fighting for. From growing up in a double-wide trailer in Williston, South Carolina, to representing the American people in the U.S. Department of Justice, Adair has gone after cheating corporations and millionaires, ensured access to affordable legal services, and brought justice to grieving families. She has used her talent and intellect to forge change and solutions that help regular people. Adair is committed and rooted to the people of South Carolina. Her perspective and work ethic is needed in Congress.

Endorsed by Rep. Jim Clyburn; Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia; Former Governor Richard “Dick” Riley; Former Governor and First Lady Jim and Rachel Hodges; Rep. Todd Rutherford, House Minority Leader; Inez Tenenbaum, Former S.C. Superintendent of Education.

Learn more about Adair Boroughs

Rep. Jim Clyburn

6th Congressional District

Last year, with the crucial support of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the U.S. House passed the Equality Act, historic and crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws. But rather than giving LGBTQ people a fair shot, Sen. McConnell has blocked the bill from coming up for a vote. Reelecting a pro-equality House will be absolutely crucial to not only pass the Equality Act.

“Our nation’s vision is embodied in our Pledge of Allegiance with ‘liberty and justice for all’, and, for too long, that promise has not been realized by too many Americans,” Congressman Clyburn said. “It has been my mission in Congress to stand up for those who have been marginalized, disenfranchised and discriminated against because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I am honored to receive this endorsement and look forward to continuing my work with the Human Rights Campaign to make the vision of America accessible and applicable to all people.”

Learn more about Jim Clyburn

We want reasonable, rational people in charge again in Washington.

Be an informed voter in November and know which candidates support you.

In addition to the congressional candidates above, SC Equality has compiled a comprehensive 2020 LGBTQ Voter Guide to help you make an informed decision on which candidates deserve your vote. We not only have interviewed the candidates we are endorsing this year, we have worked side by side with all incumbents seeking re-election and fully endorse all candidates (federal, state and local) listed in the 2020 LGBTQ Voter Guide.

First, commit to vote in November. Second, review the Voter Guide and help elect pro-equality candidates on November 3rd.

2020 LGBTQ VOTER GUIDE

Since 2012, we’ve compiled candidate research and endorsements to help you cast an informed vote. LGBTQ South Carolinians make up a substantial voting block and our voice matters in elections.

Endorsed Candidates

2020 LGBTQ VOTER GUIDE

Since 2012, we’ve compiled candidate research and endorsements to help you cast an informed vote. LGBTQ South Carolinians make up a substantial voting block and our voice matters in elections.

Endorsed Candidates

Latest News

Welcome Jarrod Wiggins to SC Equality Board

January 22nd, 2020|

SC Equality Board Welcomes Jarrod Wiggins We are pleased to welcome Jarrod Wiggins to the SC Equality Board.  His dedication and knowledge of the issues faced by the LGBTQ community will further add strength to our Board and help us continue to make a difference in LGBTQ South Carolinian's lives. Jarrod Wiggins Greenville, S.C. (He/Him/His) Jarrod Wiggins oversees New Business & Strategy at SLANT, a full-service marketing and creative agency [...]

Your guide for bills to track this legislative session in S.C.

January 14th, 2020|

2020 South Carolina legislative session starts today 2020 Legislative Tracker The 2020 South Carolina legislative session starts today and SC Equality is committed to advocating for bills that will bring us closer to fully protecting LGBTQ South Carolinians. We are also prepared to fight against any anti-LGBTQ bill that moves this session. Our team is at the Statehouse today and will be [...]

SC Equality to bring a legal challenge to South Carolina’s “No Promo Homo” law

December 16th, 2019|

SC Equality Board, with the support of its Litigation Task Force, has authorized SC Equality to bring a legal challenge to South Carolina's "No Promo Homo" law which prohibits public school health teachers from discussing homosexuality or homosexual persons in South Carolina classrooms. This law forces teachers to provide inaccurate and incomplete information to students and serves to further stigmatize LGBTQ students and children with LGBTQ parents. Some of you may [...]

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK (December 12, 2019)

December 12th, 2019|

South Carolina wants to ban lifesaving medical treatments for trans kids. It’s part of a bigger push around the country. Trans children have been in the national spotlight in recent weeks, with the governor of Texas stepping in to try to stop a mother from allowing her child to transition. And last Wednesday, South Carolina legislators joined in with a bill that would ban a variety [...]

Read More News

Latest News

Welcome Jarrod Wiggins to SC Equality Board

January 22nd, 2020|

SC Equality Board Welcomes Jarrod Wiggins We are pleased to welcome Jarrod Wiggins to the SC Equality Board.  His dedication and knowledge of the issues faced by the LGBTQ community will further add strength to our Board and help us continue to make a difference in LGBTQ South Carolinian's lives. Jarrod Wiggins Greenville, S.C. (He/Him/His) Jarrod Wiggins oversees New Business & Strategy at SLANT, a full-service marketing and creative agency [...]

Your guide for bills to track this legislative session in S.C.

January 14th, 2020|

2020 South Carolina legislative session starts today 2020 Legislative Tracker The 2020 South Carolina legislative session starts today and SC Equality is committed to advocating for bills that will bring us closer to fully protecting LGBTQ South Carolinians. We are also prepared to fight against any anti-LGBTQ bill that moves this session. Our team is at the Statehouse today and will be [...]

SC Equality to bring a legal challenge to South Carolina’s “No Promo Homo” law

December 16th, 2019|

SC Equality Board, with the support of its Litigation Task Force, has authorized SC Equality to bring a legal challenge to South Carolina's "No Promo Homo" law which prohibits public school health teachers from discussing homosexuality or homosexual persons in South Carolina classrooms. This law forces teachers to provide inaccurate and incomplete information to students and serves to further stigmatize LGBTQ students and children with LGBTQ parents. Some of you may [...]

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK (December 12, 2019)

December 12th, 2019|

South Carolina wants to ban lifesaving medical treatments for trans kids. It’s part of a bigger push around the country. Trans children have been in the national spotlight in recent weeks, with the governor of Texas stepping in to try to stop a mother from allowing her child to transition. And last Wednesday, South Carolina legislators joined in with a bill that would ban a variety [...]

Read More News