Saturday, August 1, 2026
Science

Many more US voters support gay candidates, but only if they look and act 'straight,' study finds

The period between 2018 and 2022, sometimes referred to as "the rainbow wave," featured an unprecedented increase in LGBTQ candidates elected to office. Pete Buttigieg's rise from mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to U.S. secretary of transportation with a 2020 bid for president in between sparked a nat...

Many more US voters support gay candidates, but only if they look and act 'straight,' study finds
Image: Phys.org
The period between 2018 and 2022, sometimes referred to as "the rainbow wave," featured an unprecedented increase in LGBTQ candidates elected to office. Pete Buttigieg's rise from mayor of South Bend, Indiana, to U.S. secretary of transportation with a 2020 bid for president in between sparked a national dialogue about whether gay candidates no longer faced an electoral penalty at the ballot box.

Originally published at Phys.org

The Morning Briefing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Be the first to receive the latest news, market analysis and updates — delivered straight to your inbox.