Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, announced its endorsement of Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims in his 2022 race for lieutenant governor. If elected, Sims would be one of the first out LGBTQ lieutenant governors in U.S. history and one of the first, if not the first, out LGBTQ person elected statewide in Pennsylvania. Sims first made history in 2012 when he became the first out LGBTQ person elected to the Pennsylvania state legislature.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about the endorsement:
“As the first out LGBTQ person in the state legislature, Brian became a fierce and outspoken voice for equality not just for the LGBTQ community, but for all marginalized Pennsylvanians. He remained on the frontlines despite homophobic slurs and death threats, exposing politicians opposed to equality and defending those who stood up against them. That courage is what Pennsylvanians need in a lieutenant governor – a leader like Brian who can focus Harrisburg on issues that improve people’s lives, not wedge issues meant to divide. While a statewide victory for Brian in a key swing state would be a milestone moment in LGBTQ political history, more importantly, it would be a win for all underserved communities throughout Pennsylvania.”
Sims also released the following statement about the endorsement:
“Decisions are made by the people at the table, that’s why over the past 30 years Victory Fund has done more than any other organization to put LGBTQ voices at the table and in the room. Victory Fund knows that when LGBTQ elected leaders are in the room, so are the voices and experiences of our communities – that’s why I’m incredibly proud to be endorsed by Victory Fund in my race for Lt. Governor and together we will continue to fight for a more equal Pennsylvania.”
Victory Fund is Sims’ first national endorsement.
Currently, sitting Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio of Guam is the only LGBTQ person in the U.S. to ever be elected lieutenant governor. Out LGBTQ Virginia Delegate Mark Levine, whose Democratic primary is today, is running for lieutenant governor in his state. Sims and Pennsylvania state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, who is running for U.S. Senate, would both become the first out LGBTQ people elected statewide in Pennsylvania if they win election in November 2022.
More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
