Washington, DC – Tonight LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Eric Sorensen won the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Representative Cheri Bustos, former Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), who is retiring. With this victory, Sorensen is now on track to become the first out LGBTQ person ever elected to Congress from Illinois. There are currently just 11 out LGBTQ people serving in Congress.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement about his win:
“It has never been more important to defend our pro-choice, pro-equality majority in Congress. As a meteorologist, Eric spent the last two decades keeping his local community safe by telling the truth and promoting a pro-science agenda. His success tonight is a testament to his continued leadership and grassroots support, as well as a highly effective ground game focused on candid conversations about how to make our government work better for all Americans. Voters are clearly enthusiastic about Eric’s vision for a more equitable future. We trust Eric will be a vital voice in Congress come November. The stakes have never been higher.”
Victory Fund named Sorensen a Game Changer candidate, a designation given to congressional and statewide candidates in history-making races, that comes with additional support and services from Victory Fund to ensure they win on Election Day.
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.
