DAVANTE LEWIS
As the first out LGBTQIA+ person elected to a state government body in Louisiana, Davante Lewis has become a proud pioneer for equality and inclusion in the south. He was elected in a runoff election as the state’s Public Service Commissioner for District 3, which stretches from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. When asked about his win during the 2022 election Lewis said, “The history of my election for my age, for my race, for my sexual identity, is not lost on me.” During his campaign as a major advocate for renewable energy, Lewis’ sexual orientation was not a factor but he did not shy away from his identity as a Black and openly gay man. In fact, he partnered with LGBTQIA+ organizations to help generate buzz around his platform. It was that driving force, along with his push for green energy and tackling high electric bills, that put him over the top against a three time incumbent commissioner. —K.M.