A New Wave of Black Gay Candidates Could Make History in Congress
Across the South, Republican-controlled legislatures have redrawn congressional districts in ways that could weaken majority-Black and other minority-leaning seats. Still, a growing slate of candidates, including Elijah Manley, Florida State Sen. Shevrin Jones, and U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, are stepping into the cycle, signaling an unprecedented shift in representation at the federal level. Now, a changing political map heading into the 2026 elections could help produce a historic number of Black gay men in Congress by 2027.
Just when America needed it most, that visibility is no longer symbolic but happening in real time. Let’s take a closer look at who these three candidates are, how they’re shaping the moment, and how their work could make history should they win midterm bids for seats in Congress.
Elijah Manley
As a 27-year-old Democratic candidate in Florida’s 20th District, Elijah Manley is going head-to-head against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, running one of the strongest-funded challenges against her as she seeks to hold onto her seat. In Congress, Manley has said he would focus on issues like tackling poverty, increasing wages, healthcare, education and more.
Florida State Senator Shevrin D. Jones
A longtime Florida State Senator, Shevrin Jones, has built his political identity around lived experience and advocacy. Jones—who made history in 2020 as Florida’s first openly gay state senator—has centered his work on tackling the affordability crisis, lowering healthcare costs, and expanding support for working families. As the potential frontrunner to replace Rep. Frederica Wilson, Jones has also earned recognition throughout his career, including honors such as Florida Young Democrat of the Year and inclusion on lists like Gold Coast Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” and Legacy Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders,” according to his campaign.
U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres
Rep. Ritchie Torres made a name for himself as a “Fighter for the Bronx.” Torres already made history as one of the first openly gay Black members of Congress and the first openly LGBTQ+ Afro-Latino elected to the U.S. House. Representing New York’s Bronx-based 15th District, Torres—who was raised by a single mother in public housing—has committed to supporting families struggling to make ends meet, rent costs, and public safety in underserved neighborhoods.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, he stands among a small but growing group of Black gay lawmakers who could expand their presence in Congress—potentially becoming part of a historic class of representation if re-elected and joined by new candidates winning seats across the country.
