FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2026
Contact: media@equalityfederation.org, 207.590.2299
Voters Turn Down Anti-Trans Ballot Measure in Missouri; Mixed Results for Other Measures Nationally
Equality Federation and leaders of state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy groups applauded the defeat of an anti-trans ballot measure in Missouri, the first time the pro-equality movement has ever defeated a constitutional amendment to enshrine discrimination against trans people. Equality Federation deployed staff in four key states for the election, in addition to providing year-round capacity and resources to grow the state-based LGBTQ+ movement.
Voters approved anti-trans measures in Arizona (318) and Nebraska (442). Measures in Colorado (Prop. 134 and 135) and Washington (IL26-638) that would discriminate against transgender youth in sports and health care have not been called. Also, Washington was still counting votes on a measure that would remove protections for LGBTQ youth who confide in trusted educators and counselors at schools (IL26-001). Nationwide, candidates and opponents of LGBTQ+ equality spent almost $400 million on anti-trans ads, according to AdImpact.
Voters elected pro-equality champions to the federal level and in many statewide races. In Virginia, voters overturned a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality.
Fran “Hutch” Hutchins, executive director of Equality Federation, had the following statement:
“Billionaires and people in power spent hundreds of millions nationwide to stoke fear and scapegoat trans people. They targeted the most vulnerable among us to try to rig the game in their favor. Despite these despicable tactics, they lost by a substantial margin in Missouri, and the Colorado measures are too close to call. This election showed that when our state partners have the resources to reach voters, people become more understanding and accepting of their trans neighbors, coworkers, and family members.
“And, this election showed that expanding access to health care and lowering costs is a winning issue. The incoming Democrat-led Congress has a mandate to act on health care, and reverse devastating cuts to Medicaid and HIV funding that harmed our communities and drove voters to turn out.
“No matter what scare tactics are on TV, the truth is that there is much more that unites us than divides us. We all want our kids to be safe. We all want health care to be accessible and affordable. We all want to be treated fairly. Equality Federation and our member organizations around the country are going to keep fighting, with fierce determination, for the future we deserve.”
Pro-equality groups in Missouri and other states have invested in thousands of in-depth conversations with voters, which result in meaningful movement toward support for trans people.
In Missouri, Amendment 3 would have banned health care for trans youth and reinstated an abortion ban two years after voters overturned one. Katy Erker-Lynch, executive director of PROMO Missouri, had the following comment on the defeat of Amendment 3:
"To defeat Amendment 3, we knew we had to talk with Missourians about reproductive freedom through the lens of both abortion and healthcare for trans youth. Our largely trans canvassing team and volunteers had just over 10,000 conversations with voters — they confronted misinformation and transphobia face to face, and shared their stories. Missourians listened and voters sent Jefferson City a clear message: our bodies, our healthcare, and our families are not yours to control. Trans and queer Missourians are not a political liability. We are a powerful force, we are your neighbors, we're not going anywhere."
Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado, had the following comment on the Colorado measures, which are too close to call:
“These measures, if passed, will cause real harm to young people and families across Colorado. Politicians have no business interfering with decisions that belong with young people, their families, and their doctors. We fought hard to defeat these bans, and now we must make sure every vote is counted.
“To every trans young person: You are beautiful. Never change who you are. You deserve care, friendship, joy, and a state that supports you. One Colorado will not give up. We will keep listening to you and your families, fighting for what is right, and continue working to ensure our neighbors understand what these political attacks cost real people.”
Around the country, LGBTQ+ people make up 12% of the population, and 87% planned to vote in the midterm election. Pro-equality candidates were elected across the country, from Texas to Michigan.
Abigail Swetz, executive director of Fair Wisconsin, had the following comment on LGBTQ+ voter participation:
“Our LGBTQ+ community is more engaged than ever, and it is so energizing and empowering to see us turn out to vote in such numbers! In the face of an opposition that wanted to try and turn our community, and specifically our transgender youth, into a political scare tactic, we showed up in states across our nation to vote for fairness and inclusion. Thanks to our LGBTQ+ voters and our allies, we elected a new wave of openly LGBTQ+ leaders and champions for equality; now we’re ready to help these leaders pass pro-equality legislation and move our entire community forward.”
In Virginia, voters stood up for LGBTQ+ equality and struck down the state’s constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples by passing Question 2.
Narissa Rahaman, executive director of Equality Virginia, had the following comment:
“Twenty years ago, Virginia wrote a ban on same-sex marriage into our constitution. Tonight, Virginia voters chose to repeal it. This moment belongs to the generations of LGBTQ+ leaders who kept showing up, to the people who bravely shared their personal stories with their neighbors, and voters who showed up and voted. Equality Virginia will carry the lessons from this campaign into the work ahead: supporting LGBTQ+ Virginians and building a commonwealth where everyone can live openly and safely.”
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About Equality Federation
Equality Federation is an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice, building power in our network of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) advocacy organizations.
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