Washington, DC – Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims announced a record-setting fundraising pace and support in his race for Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor. His campaign raised over $670,000, which is more money in the year leading up to a primary than any other Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor in history. Last year, Sims received a total of 14,520 donations including donations from all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and all 50 U.S. states, showing both statewide and national support for his campaign. Nearly 75% of his donations in Pennsylvania came from Pennsylvanians living outside of the state’s two largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, further reinforcing Sims’ strong support from communities across all of Pennsylvania.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about the announcement:
“The numbers don’t lie – Brian Sims is making history across Pennsylvania and the country. Pennsylvanians are clearly enthusiastic and excited about his clear vision for the state, one built on hope, grit and authenticity. LGBTQ Victory Fund is proud to support Brian’s trailblazing campaign and excited for him to shatter a lavender ceiling in November.”
Sims released the following statement about the announcement:
“I’m truly honored by the unprecedented outpouring of support our campaign has received from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and from across all of the United States. Since day one, we’ve been committed to running a grassroots campaign to bring empathy and integrity to the highest levels of Pennsylvania’s government. These numbers tell an important part of that story, and I’m truly thankful for the many supporters who have signed on to be a part of our team.”
In 2012, Sims became the first out LGBTQ state legislator in Pennsylvania history. If elected, Sims would be the first out LGBTQ Lieutenant Governor of a U.S. state. He would also be the first out LGBTQ candidate elected in a statewide race in Pennsylvania, along with state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, if he wins his U.S. Senate race in November.
Joshua Tenorio, current Lieutenant Governor of Guam, was the first out LGBTQ Lieutenant Governor in U.S. history.
LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed Brian Sims last summer. More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
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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.
