Full Breakdown
Republican Candidate’s “Born Straight” Claim Sparks Outcry in Broward’s 20th District
7/10/2026, 10:33:51 AM
Controversial Claim and Immediate Fallout
Republican congressional hopeful Rod Joseph asserted that “you cannot be born gay. That’s impossible biologically,” describing sexual orientation as a “preference” that has existed “from the Roman Empire to date.” He further argued that children should not be “indoctrinated…to think this is a choice…that it’s cool to be homosexual.” Joseph made the remarks during a joint interview with the *South Florida Sun-Sentinel* editorial board on Tuesday, prompting sharp criticism from fellow GOP candidates and LGBTQ advocates.
District Profile and Electoral Reality
The 20th Congressional District, redrawn in 2024, covers central Broward County—including Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park, and Oakland Park—areas with sizable LGBTQ populations. The Cook Political Report rates the district D+20, indicating it voted 20 points more Democratic than the nation in the last two presidential elections. Independent analyses label it a “solid” or “safe” Democratic seat, meaning the Republican nominee faces a virtual certainty of defeat in November.
Opposition from Fellow Candidates and Advocacy Groups
Republican contenders Brent Andersen and Lateresa “LA” Jones publicly rejected Joseph’s view, with Andersen calling the related Andy Ogles post “an outrageous statement that should be condemned.” Jones echoed concerns about “indoctrination” of children. Democratic nominee Elijah Manley, an openly gay Black candidate, labeled Joseph’s suggestion that sexual abuse drives LGBTQ identity “unfounded and baseless,” adding that science has not determined why some people are LGBTQ. Equality Florida CEO Stratton Pollitzer criticized the rhetoric as a “tired smokescreen of division, outrage and distraction” that diverts attention from pressing issues such as housing affordability and rising insurance costs.
Official Statements & Responses
Joseph declined to comment on the original Ogles tweet, instead emphasizing his belief that sexuality should remain a private matter and not be promoted as a choice. Andersen and Jones both condemned the Ogles post and stressed the need for schools to focus on education rather than “indoctrination.” Equality Florida’s statement warned voters that right-wing politicians are using “division, outrage and distraction” instead of offering concrete solutions to Floridians’ economic concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You cannot be born gay. That’s impossible biologically,” — Rod Joseph, Republican candidate
- “Sexual preference from the Roman Empire to date, it’s always a preference.” — Rod Joseph
- “I think his response is incredibly ignorant. You’re born the way you are,” — Elijah Manley, Democratic candidate
- “an outrageous statement that should be condemned.” — Brent Andersen, Republican candidate
- “I am Black, American born and raised in this country, and I do find that I can’t make a statement like that because I don’t know how God made people. I do not,” — Lateresa “LA” Jones, Republican candidate
