Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Erick Russell won the Democratic primary election for Connecticut state Treasurer. With this victory, he is on track to become the first Black out LGBTQ person ever elected to statewide office in U.S. history.
According to LGBTQ Victory Institute’s Out for America Map, the only national database of out LGBTQ elected officials, there are currently just six out LGBTQ statewide officials in the U.S., none of whom are Black.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement about Russell’s win:
“Erick has the perfect combination of political chops, deep policy experience and grassroots support to make an effectual state executive. Voters are clearly eager to support his policy agenda to address racial and social wealth gaps and ensure all of Connecticut’s residents have a fair shot at the American Dream. His success tonight is also a strong rebuke to the wave of racism and bigotry sweeping our nation. For far too long, people of color and the LGBTQ community have lacked equitable representation in government. While we have a long way to go to tackle these representation gaps, we are confident leaders like Erick will inspire many members of our community to answer the call to service and run for office.”
Victory Fund named Russell a Game Changer candidate, a designation given to federal or state candidates in history-making races, that comes with additional support and services from LGBTQ 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.
