WASHINGTON – Today, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund the nation’s largest resource for out LGBTQ individuals in politics endorsed Dan Innis and Richard Tisei for Congress. The potential election of both of these candidates will break a glass ceiling of becoming the first out LGBTQ Republican Members of Congress.
“Both Dan Innis and Richard Tisei are pragmatic and visionary leaders that are voices for their constituencies and we are proud to announce their endorsements today,” said Torey Carter, Chief Operating Officer at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund. “The two candidates have the potential to become the first out LGBTQ Republican Members of Congress. Their elections would shatter a glass ceiling for the Republican Party and further the dialogue within the party about LGBTQ issues.”
Endorsed Candidates
Dan Innis – Candidate for Congress (District 1), New Hampshire
- Daniel has enjoyed a long and successful career, with extensive experience as a marketing professional as well as years spent as an educator and administrator. As Dean of the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Innis presided over the largest single donation in the history of the university and oversaw an immense increase in enrollment to the business school. In 2008, Innis, along with husband Doug Palardy, established the Ale House Inn in Portsmouth, N.H., which drew national media interest and wide acclaim. After selling that business, Dan and Doug co-founded the Hotel Portsmouth, which is slated to open in the spring of 2014.
Richard Tisei – Candidate for Congress (District 6), Massachusetts
- Richard brings to the table extensive experience representing the North Shore of Massachusetts. After six years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Richard was elected to the State Senate as a Republican in an overwhelmingly Democratic district. During his tenure, he has served in a number of influential leadership positions, most notably the Ways and Means Committee, and was appointed by his peers to serve as Senate Minority Leader from 2006 to 2010. A member of the Wakefield, Mass. Chamber of Commerce, Richard co-owns a real estate firm Northrup Associates with his longtime partner, Bernie Starr.
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is the largest resource for LGBTQ individuals in politics. The organization works to elect LGBTQ leaders to public office for one simple reason. They change America’s politics. As leaders in government, they become the face and voice of a community. They challenge the lies of extremists and speak authentically about themselves, their families and their community. Since 1991, the Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win election to local, state and federal offices. This year alone the Victory Fund will endorse more than 200 out LGBTQ candidates for public office the largest in the organizations history.