What do these scores mean?

Excellent represents an effective leader who is pushing (or will push) for equity in their role as an elected official. Our scores looked through the lens of LGBTQ+ equality and representation, but we know that LGBTQ+ people exist everywhere. So we asked questions about racial equity, housing affordability, transportation, and public health, as applicable. Excellent candidates aren’t just a yes vote on measures we need, they are active participants in policy-making, responding to their constituents and not being complacent with the status quo.

Sufficient candidates are reliable votes that mostly align with our values. Their record reflects support for the LGBTQ+ community and an understanding of the issues facing their constituents. They are responsive when contacted by the community and partners in progress, but they have not expressed an inclusive vision for the future and what changes they’d make to the status quo.

Insufficient candidates are not responsive to the community or do not represent the best interests of the LGBTQ+ community in their records. They are not active partners in policy-making and do not understand the changes needed to be made to the status quo. While not actively harming the community, they do not align with the values of the LGBTQ+ community.

Concerning candidates have actively made comments, taken actions, or made votes that harm the LGBTQ+ community. They are not seeking equitable solutions for their constituents. Ideally, these people wouldn’t be running as Democrats in the first place.