Blab Politics
New Report Finds LGBTQ+ Candidates Facing Rising Threats and Harassment Across the U.S.
A new study released this month by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute has highlighted a sharp increase in harassment, threats, and safety concerns for openly LGBTQ+ candidates running for public office nationwide. The report, based on a survey of 215 candidates from 42 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., shows that political violence is becoming a routine part of the campaign experience for many queer candidates.
According to the findings, nearly nine out of ten respondents said they worried that running as an openly LGBTQ+ candidate would raise the risk of harassment or attack. Four in five feared physical violence, and two‑thirds reported experiencing in‑person harassment during their campaigns. Online abuse was even more common, with 80 percent of candidates reporting frequent or sustained online harassment. The report also notes that less than 10 percent of respondents could afford private security, and more than half cited safety concerns as a reason they altered how or where they campaigned.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which is part of the larger LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, has long worked to increase the number of openly LGBTQ+ officials in the United States. The new report underscores how the growing threat environment is reshaping not only campaign tactics but also the decision to run for office. "This report makes clear that political violence is not just increasing — it is reshaping who feels able to run for office in the first place," said Evan Low, President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. "No one should have to choose between serving their community and protecting their own safety. When LGBTQ+ candidates are driven out by threats and intimidation, our democracy loses the representation it depends on."
The study’s methodology involved a survey distributed to candidates who had run for office between 2023 and 2025. Respondents were asked about their experiences with in‑person harassment, online abuse, physical threats, and the financial burden of security measures. The Institute noted that the high prevalence of harassment and the limited ability to secure private protection suggest a systemic problem that extends beyond isolated incidents.
In response to the report, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute announced plans to expand its safety training and mental‑health support programs. The organization will host online training sessions on February 18 and an in‑person session in Minneapolis on February 21. These sessions aim to equip candidates with strategies for managing threats, navigating digital harassment, and accessing mental‑health resources.
The findings arrive amid broader concerns about a rise in political violence across the United States. While the overall incidence of violent political incidents remains relatively low, the trend has been noted by scholars and policy analysts, who point to increased rhetoric and polarization as contributing factors. The report adds a specific lens to that trend, illustrating how LGBTQ+ candidates are disproportionately affected.
The Institute’s report also highlights a paradox: as the number of openly LGBTQ+ officials has grown—nearly a 200 percent increase since the first Trump administration—threats and harassment have intensified. The Institute’s leadership has emphasized that representation alone does not protect candidates from intimidation; instead, systemic safeguards and community support are needed.
The report’s release has prompted calls from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups for stronger legal protections and campaign finance reforms that would allow candidates to allocate more resources to security. The Institute has indicated that it will continue to lobby for such measures while also focusing on state and local races, where many LGBTQ+ candidates face the most acute threats.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s findings serve as a warning that the safety of candidates is a critical component of a healthy democracy. The Institute’s upcoming training sessions and continued advocacy represent the next steps in addressing the issue, but the broader political climate will determine whether the threat environment can be meaningfully reduced.
In summary, the new report documents a troubling rise in harassment and threats against LGBTQ+ candidates, a trend that is influencing campaign strategies and discouraging potential candidates. The Institute’s response includes expanded safety training and mental‑health support, while advocacy for stronger protections remains a priority. The situation underscores the need for continued attention to the safety and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in public office.
According to the findings, nearly nine out of ten respondents said they worried that running as an openly LGBTQ+ candidate would raise the risk of harassment or attack. Four in five feared physical violence, and two‑thirds reported experiencing in‑person harassment during their campaigns. Online abuse was even more common, with 80 percent of candidates reporting frequent or sustained online harassment. The report also notes that less than 10 percent of respondents could afford private security, and more than half cited safety concerns as a reason they altered how or where they campaigned.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, which is part of the larger LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, has long worked to increase the number of openly LGBTQ+ officials in the United States. The new report underscores how the growing threat environment is reshaping not only campaign tactics but also the decision to run for office. "This report makes clear that political violence is not just increasing — it is reshaping who feels able to run for office in the first place," said Evan Low, President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. "No one should have to choose between serving their community and protecting their own safety. When LGBTQ+ candidates are driven out by threats and intimidation, our democracy loses the representation it depends on."
The study’s methodology involved a survey distributed to candidates who had run for office between 2023 and 2025. Respondents were asked about their experiences with in‑person harassment, online abuse, physical threats, and the financial burden of security measures. The Institute noted that the high prevalence of harassment and the limited ability to secure private protection suggest a systemic problem that extends beyond isolated incidents.
In response to the report, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute announced plans to expand its safety training and mental‑health support programs. The organization will host online training sessions on February 18 and an in‑person session in Minneapolis on February 21. These sessions aim to equip candidates with strategies for managing threats, navigating digital harassment, and accessing mental‑health resources.
The findings arrive amid broader concerns about a rise in political violence across the United States. While the overall incidence of violent political incidents remains relatively low, the trend has been noted by scholars and policy analysts, who point to increased rhetoric and polarization as contributing factors. The report adds a specific lens to that trend, illustrating how LGBTQ+ candidates are disproportionately affected.
The Institute’s report also highlights a paradox: as the number of openly LGBTQ+ officials has grown—nearly a 200 percent increase since the first Trump administration—threats and harassment have intensified. The Institute’s leadership has emphasized that representation alone does not protect candidates from intimidation; instead, systemic safeguards and community support are needed.
The report’s release has prompted calls from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups for stronger legal protections and campaign finance reforms that would allow candidates to allocate more resources to security. The Institute has indicated that it will continue to lobby for such measures while also focusing on state and local races, where many LGBTQ+ candidates face the most acute threats.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s findings serve as a warning that the safety of candidates is a critical component of a healthy democracy. The Institute’s upcoming training sessions and continued advocacy represent the next steps in addressing the issue, but the broader political climate will determine whether the threat environment can be meaningfully reduced.
In summary, the new report documents a troubling rise in harassment and threats against LGBTQ+ candidates, a trend that is influencing campaign strategies and discouraging potential candidates. The Institute’s response includes expanded safety training and mental‑health support, while advocacy for stronger protections remains a priority. The situation underscores the need for continued attention to the safety and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in public office.
