LGBT Candidates in Close, Controversial, and Trailblazing Local and State Races

Simone Bell — Georgia House of Representatives
In 2009, Simone Bell, a Democrat, became the first African-American lesbian to serve in any state legislature, but now she faces a challenge from Republican Earl Cooper after the state redrew the district.

"The map itself is a challenge," she said in July. "There's a huge difference in economic, racial, and educational status."

While there are five openly gay candidates seeking state-level office, Georgia Equality’s Cathy Woolard warns that the state legislature could emerge in November with a Republican supermajority, which could further stifle progress on LGBT rights legislation.