Washington, DC – Tonight LGBTQ Victory Fund candidates Christian Manuel-Hayes and Venton Jones won the elections for Texas state House Districts 22 and 100, respectively. Both Manuel-Hayes and Jones are now the first Black out LGBTQ men ever elected to the Texas state legislature. Also tonight, Jolanda Jones won reelection for Texas state House District 147. Jones made history earlier this year when she won the special election for House District 147 and became the first Black out LGBTQ person ever elected to the state legislature. A record number of LGBTQ people ran for state legislatures this year.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement:
“Bigots like Greg Abbott emboldened a wave of anti-LGBTQ hate this year – but their hate has fueled LGBTQ people to step up and run for office like never before. Christian, Venton and Jolanda shattered these lavender ceilings because of their deep policy experience and exceptional ground game. They’ve never backed down when our rights are on the line and we are confident they’ll channel this courage and compassion in Austin. For far too long, Black and LGBTQ Texans have lacked equitable representation. Tonight, we are taking a meaningful step forward.”
There are currently just seven out LGBTQ state lawmakers in the Texas state legislature, according to LGBTQ Victory Institute.
Victory Fund is tracking Election Night results at victoryfund.org/2022.
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LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
