Peterpaul Joins LGBTQ+ Leaders in Backing Riker for CA-48
Palm Springs, CA – Today, Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul, the first out LGBTQ+ woman elected to the New Jersey Legislature, announced her endorsement of Brandon Riker in California’s 48th Congressional District, underscoring the importance of representation and leadership that reflects the communities it serves.
Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul is a steadfast advocate for working families, bipartisanship, and LGBTQ+ rights, and has emerged as a powerful voice for expanding opportunity and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in the New Jersey Legislature. In 2023, she made history by flipping a Republican-held seat and becoming the first out LGBTQ+ woman elected to serve in the Legislature, a milestone that underscored the growing strength and visibility of LGBTQ+ leadership.
“Breaking barriers isn’t about making history for its own sake, it’s about making government work for people who have too often been left out,” said Assemblywoman Peterpaul. “I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone who understands your lived experience is at the decision-making table. Brandon Riker is committed to building an economy that works for everyday families, protecting our fundamental rights, and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot. That’s the kind of leadership we need in Congress right now.”
Riker’s campaign has quickly become one of the most energized efforts in the district, fueled by a broad coalition of grassroots supporters, community leaders, and small-dollar donors. With a robust volunteer operation and deep community ties, the campaign is organizing across neighborhoods and building momentum through direct voter engagement, local partnerships, and a clear focus on economic security and accountability. From town halls to door-to-door outreach, supporters throughout CA-48 are mobilizing around a shared vision of opportunity, fairness, and responsive leadership – something Darrell Issa has not delivered to the voters of this district.
“I’m honored to have Assemblywoman Peterpaul’s support,” said Brandon Riker. “She has broken barriers and fought tirelessly for equality and opportunity. As the first out gay woman elected to the New Jersey Legislature, she has not just made history. She has a strong track record of lowering costs, protecting working families, and ensuring more people see themselves reflected in their government. Her leadership is a reminder that representation drives real change. I’m proud to stand alongside her in the fight to lower costs, defend our democracy, and build an economy that works for everyone.”
Peterpaul’s endorsement adds to a growing coalition of LGBTQ+ leaders and trailblazers supporting Riker’s campaign, including Olivia Hill and Lisa Middleton along with 100+ community members from the 48th Congressional District. Together, their support reflects a broad and energized movement of leaders who have broken barriers in their own communities and who see in Riker a partner committed to equality, representation, and opportunity for all.
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Brandon Riker is a fourth-generation Californian, small business owner, and trained economist. California’s new 48th District is a top Red-to-Blue target for Democrats after the passage of Proposition 50. With Riker’s fundraising strength and a growing base of grassroots support, he is the leading candidate in the new 48th District.