Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims today announced record-setting fundraising and support in his race for Pennsylvania lieutenant governor – including donors from all 50 states and all U.S. territories.
The national support for his candidacy signals huge momentum for Rep. Sims just nine months before the primary – with much of the enthusiasm due to the historic nature of the race. If elected, Rep. Sims would become the first out LGBTQ lieutenant governor of a U.S. state and one of just nine out LGBTQ people elected to statewide office anywhere in the country.
In his campaign to be Pennsylvania’s next Lieutenant Governor, our Game Changer @BrianSimsPA
✅ has raised money from supporters in every U.S. state and territory
✅ has broken records for the pace of fundraising in a Pennsylvania LG race. pic.twitter.com/SOUyOnyxK5— LGBTQ Victory Fund (@VictoryFund) August 24, 2021
Pennsylvania has never elected an out LGBTQ person to statewide office.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about the announcement:
“Brian is a trailblazing LGBTQ elected leader with national prominence, so LGBTQ people across the country are rallying behind his historic candidacy. Pennsylvania was slow to elect LGBTQ people to public positions, but this is an opportunity for the state to leapfrog ahead and become a national leader in LGBTQ representation. Brian’s election would be a milestone moment in LGBTQ political history. Yet his outspoken leadership on social justice issues would also make his election a victory for all underserved communities in the state.”
In 2012, Rep. Sims became the first out LGBTQ state legislator in Pennsylvania history. While Rep. Sims would be the first out LGBTQ lieutenant governor of any U.S. state, current Guam Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio became the first out LGBTQ lieutenant governor in U.S. history when he won in 2019.
