Abstract
The authors examine the trend of LGBTQ candidates in the context of the Trump administration. They assemble a data set of LGBTQ state legislative candidates in the 2018 election cycle. We find that more LGBTQ candidates ran for office than in previous cycles, and consistent with previous research, that LGBTQ status did not specifically hinder these candidates’ electoral chances, due in part to these candidates’ self-selection into running as Democrats in Democratic-favorable districts. The findings suggest that the Trump Era has not changed the dynamic for LGBTQ candidates.
Patrick J. Gauding
Assistant Professor
Welcome! I am Assistant Professor of Politics at the University of the South. My research and teaching interests lie at the intersection of American politics, public policy, and public administration, and include criminal justice reform, local government, gun politics, and research methods.