Liliana Bakhtiari Wins Runoff for Atlanta City Council; First LGBTQ Muslim Elected in GA; Only Non-Binary Councilmember of Major U.S. City

Historic election comes as anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ political rhetoric rises in recent weeks

Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Liliana Bakhtiari (District 5) won her runoff election for the Atlanta City Council, becoming the first out LGBTQ Muslim elected in the state of Georgia and one of less than five currently serving in the entire country. Bakhtiari will also be the only non-binary person currently serving on the city council of a major U.S. city. During the general election on November 2, Bakhtiari competed in a field of five candidates and received 49.5 percent of the vote, just short of the 50 percent needed to win outright and avoid a runoff.

Bakhtiari’s election comes as anti-Muslim and anti-LGBTQ political rhetoric rises in recent weeks, including state legislative attacks on trans candidates and anti-Muslim remarks targeting U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar.

Also in a runoff for the At-Large Post 3 council seat is LGBTQ candidate Keisha Sean Waites, whose race has not yet been called tonight. On November 2, Victory Fund endorsed candidate Alex Wan won his election to the District 6 seat.

Victory Fund made Bakhtiari a Spotlight Candidate, raising more than $20,000 for their campaign and contributing $2,500 in the days before the runoff. It also provided campaign consulting support and visibility through its earned media and social media programs. Bakhtiari is also a former member of the Victory Campaign Board – which reviews and endorses candidates for Victory Fund.

Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about Bakhtiari’s victory:

“Liliana’s victory is a milestone moment for Georgia, but also for non-binary people and LGBTQ Muslims across the country who want to make positive change through public service. When in office, Liliana will humanize our issues and be a voice for the underserved communities that are too often ignored by elected leaders. Atlanta is already a beacon of hope for LGBTQ people throughout the South, but with more representation that reflects the entire LGBTQ community, it can become a model for the entire nation.”

There are currently just 11 non-binary elected officials serving in the entire country. View all LGBTQ elected officials currently serving at outforamerica.org.

Bakhtiari first ran for the District 5 council seat in 2017 – losing to the incumbent by just 2.6 percent of the vote.

More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.

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LGBTQ Victory Fund

LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.

victoryfund.org