Salt Lake City, Utah, could be the next major U.S. city to elect an openly-LGBTQ mayor. The Victory Fund today announced that it has endorsed Jackie Biskupski’s mayoral campaign.
Biskupski, an out lesbian, is a mom, veteran of the Utah legislature, and member of Sheriff Winder’s leadership team. She is seeking the highest office in Salt Lake City after over a decade of representing Salt Lake City’s 30th District. As Mayor, Biskupski has pledged to prioritize public input into transportation decisions, build up Salt Lake City’s robust economy, and improve the city’s air quality by creating affordable housing for families and increased employment opportunities along public transit lines.
For the mayoral candidate, advocating for equality is a central tenet of her platform. She noted that women and people of color do not earn equal pay for equal work, and that LGBTQ people and women still face discrimination. “It is time for this city to have a mayor who can speak to these issues in the first person,” said Biskupski during her campaign announcement.
“Because Salt Lake City has taken significant strides toward equality for the LGBTQ community, it is easy for some to become complacent and believe the struggle for equality is over,” she said. “We are still far short of victory.”
The Victory Fund made a total of nine endorsements this week for races across America. Three of this month’s candidates—Billy Maddalon and incumbents Al Austin and LaWana Mayfield—are all vying for different spots on the Charlotte, N.C., City Council. Patrick Davis, who is running for a seat on Albuquerque’s City Council, would be that body’s only out official.
Patrick Davis – City Council District 6, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Amos Goodman – County Legislature District 2, Suffolk County, New York
Lane Lewis – City Council At-Large Position 1, Houston, Texas
Billy Maddalon – City Council At-Large, Charlotte, North Carolina
Michael Maddux – City Council District 4, Seattle, Washington
Other candidates receiving Victory’s endorsement in June are:
Al Austin – City Council District 2, Charlotte, North Carolina (incumbent)
Jon Hoadley – Michigan House of Representatives, District 60 (2016 race) (incumbent)
LaWana Mayfield – City Council District 3, Charlotte, North Carolina (incumbent)