Election Results: LGBT Races to Watch

It was truly a landslide for equality all across the country, including wins at the ballot box for marriage equality, the first gay U.S. senator, and a new generation of representatives in Congress.

BY Michelle Garcia

November 06 2012 6:37 PM ET UPDATED: November 12 2012 4:13 PM ET

Marriage Equality (Referendum 74) in Washington State
RESULTS: Referendum 74 Approved

Washington voters completed a clean sweep for marriage, joining Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota voters on Election Day in siding with LGBT rights. Because Washington votes entirely by mail-in ballot, the tally was slow in coming.

Votes were still being counted on Wednesday, but the Human Rights Campaign and others soon claimed a win. "This victory rounds out a landslide sweep of all four marriage ballot measures this November," said HRC president Chad Griffin. “This win is a sure sign that momentum is on our side, and with the growing majority of Americans supporting marriage equality, more states will soon join Washington in protecting all families."

Griffin praised Gov. Christine Gregoire for her leadership in passing the bill that voters were then tasked with approving. “This win would not have been possible without Governor Gregoire’s steadfast commitment and the leadership of the business community in the state, putting themselves squarely on the right side of history," Griffin said. (Read More About The Race)