Sean Meloy, a political strategist and native of Western Pennsylvania, has been elected Chair of the Democratic National Committee’s LGBTQ Caucus. His appointment puts him in a key leadership position within the national Democratic Party, where he will help shape the party’s approach to LGBTQ issues heading into the 2026 election cycle.
Meloy has been active in LGBTQ political work for over a decade. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Political Programs at the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, where he helped build candidate pipelines and support queer candidates running for office nationwide. During his tenure, the number of LGBTQ people serving in elected office tripled. Meloy previously served as a board member of the Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ Democratic club.
In 2022, Meloy was the first out gay candidate from Western Pennsylvania to run for Congress, to represent the 17th District. Though he did not win the Democratic primary, his campaign was a moment for LGBTQ political representation in the region.
“I’m honored to serve as Chair of the DNC’s LGBTQ Caucus at such a critical moment for our community, Party, and country,” Meloy said in a statement. “LGBTQ Americans have made incredible progress, but we know our rights and freedoms are under attack from Donald Trump and Republicans every day.”
The DNC’s LGBTQ Caucus is composed of out LGBTQ members from across the country. As Chair, Meloy will lead efforts to organize voters, advise on party policy, and advocate for legislation and candidates that advance LGBTQ rights and representation.
Outgoing Chair Earl Fowlkes praised Meloy’s election, saying, “Sean has spent his career building political power for LGBTQ people and ensuring our voices are heard at every level of government. We are thrilled to have him lead the caucus at this pivotal time.”
Meloy’s selection adds to a broader increase in LGBTQ representation within the Democratic Party. Other out leaders currently serving in national DNC leadership include Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta, Secretary Jason Rae, and Luis Heredia, Chair of the Latino Caucus, among others.
While the role is national in scope, Meloy’s election is also a moment of significance for Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community. His career, spanning national advocacy and local campaigning, reflects the growing presence of out political voices from Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, at a time when queer and trans rights are being targeted across the country.
