LGBTQ political organizations unite behind historic candidacy;
Kotek would be the first out lesbian governor in U.S. history if elected
Washington, DC – Today Basic Rights Oregon, LGBTQ Victory Fund and LPAC jointly endorsed Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek in her race for governor of Oregon. The endorsements from two national LGBTQ political organizations and state-based Basic Rights Oregon demonstrates an early commitment from the LGBTQ political community to elect Speaker Kotek in 2022. If elected, Speaker Kotek would be the first out lesbian elected governor in the U.S. and just the third out LGBTQ person elected governor in American history.
The endorsements from the organizations come with fundraising, campaign and media relations support for Speaker Kotek’s campaign. The primary will be held in May 2022.
“Tina Kotek is a trailblazer. In 2006, she was the first openly lesbian legislator elected into Oregon House. Six years later, she became the first LGBTQ2SIA+ Speaker of the House, a title she has longer than any other in our state’s history. Her leadership goes beyond identity, she fights for a better Oregon for all of us,” said Nancy Haque, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “From voting with us on the Oregon Equality Act and Domestic Partnerships in her first session to supporting life-changing legislation like Paid Family Leave, Suicide Prevention for all Oregon Youth, and most recently the LGBTQ Trans Panic Ban, Tina Kotek has spent nearly 15 years fighting to make our state a better place to live. She’s a strong supporter of equity in our state and stands with us in our values around both racial and economic justice for all. I can’t imagine any other candidate for Governor who has the experience and track record to continue to move our state forward, for all Oregonians.”
“A victory for Tina would shatter a lavender ceiling and be a milestone moment in LGBTQ political history, yet she is running not to make history, but because there are few people as prepared and qualified to serve as Oregon’s governor,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “Under Tina’s leadership, Oregon has led in passing legislation to improve roads and education, raise the minimum wage and ensure all residents are treated fairly and equally. As governor, Tina will make Oregon a role model for the nation.”
“Speaker Kotek embodies the extraordinary candidates that LPAC endorses for public office,” said Lisa Turner, Executive Director of LPAC. “As Speaker she has led the charge in passing progressive legislation that has improved the lives of Oregonians. Her governing experience and political leadership will allow her to hit the ground running, and we’re excited to see her make history as the first openly lesbian governor in the United States.”
Speaker Kotek also released a statement about the joint endorsement:
“As the first lesbian Speaker of the House in the country, I know firsthand how important it is for our community to be at the table when decisions are made. We have made significant progress toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, and there is still more to do. I look forward to continuing to work as Oregon’s next Governor to ensure our state remains a leader in the struggle for equality. I am deeply grateful to the Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC, the LGBTQ Victory Fund, and LPAC for their support and confidence in my campaign.”
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Basic Rights Oregon
Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC is the state’s political action committee dedicated to electing candidates who champion LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians into every level of office.
LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve.
LPAC
LPAC is dedicated to building diverse political representation by increasing the number of LGBTQ women in elected office. LPAC endorses and invests in LGBTQ women up and down the ballot who champion the organization’s core values of women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, and social justice.
