Since 1991, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed out LGBTQ+ political candidates for local, state and federal office throughout the United States.
For a list of Victory Fund’s currently endorsed candidates, click here.
To be considered for endorsement, candidates must:
- be openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer;
- be pro-choice and support an individual’s right to privacy*;
- support the rights of transgender individuals;
- demonstrate community support and a realistic plan to win;
- demonstrate support of federal, state or local efforts to advance LGBTQ+ civil rights via the legislative or regulatory process**; and
- demonstrate support of federal, state or local efforts to safeguard privacy and reproductive freedom.**
*Learn more about why the right to privacy, including the right to an abortion, is central to LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s endorsement criteria here.
**Note: Judicial endorsements are not required to meet these criteria.
Approved
All neighborhood council candidates and other hyper-local races will be considered for the “Approved” designation. Candidates will be provided with a seal showing that they are a pro-choice, pro-equality, out LGBTQ+ candidate.
Qualified
Candidates who have at least one equally viable pro-choice LGBTQ+ opponent will be considered for the “Qualified” recommendation. All qualified candidates will be provided with a seal showing that they are a pro-choice, pro-equality, out candidate and campaign assistance and resources as needed, but not with Victory putting a thumb on the scale for one of the LGBTQ+ candidates.
Apply for Victory Fund’s Endorsement!
Please click below to request a 2024 endorsement application. The final deadline for all 2024 cycle candidates to apply for an endorsement is August 31, 2024.
Please note that we process applications on a rolling monthly basis. Due to the large volume of applications we receive, it takes our team a minimum of 60 days to process applications for non-incumbent candidates. If your election happens to take place within 60 days of submitting your application, please note this in your application and we will do our best to process it prior to your election.
Contact us with questions about endorsement criteria, benefits or the application process.
Endorsement Benefits
All endorsed candidates are profiled on our website, promoted through our digital media platforms and network, provided with campaign consulting services from Victory Staff, a voter model to assist with their campaign outreach (where permissible), a candidate services portal, and allowed use of the Victory Fund endorsement seal on campaign materials to showcase being an out and pro-choice candidate. Additional technical assistance and support is provided upon request.
Spotlight Candidates (see below) are provided campaign, fundraising and communication services to support their campaign and help them win. Assistance includes campaign plan analysis, bundling and fundraising support through the Victory Campaign Board and Victory Fund donors, PAC checks, proactive media pitching, regular check-ins with the political team, and high-profile exposure in Victory Fund emails, newsletters and digital media platforms. Additional services are provided based on campaign needs.
Spotlight Endorsements
Victory Fund awards Spotlight endorsements to state and local candidates who can make history or increase LGBTQ+ representation in low-equality states or in states with few or no LGBTQ+ state lawmakers.