FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 22, 2016
CONTACT: Elliot Imse, Director of Communications, elliot.imse@victoryfund.org
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Latino Victory Fund Endorse Brady Piñero Walkinshaw for Congress
Joint Endorsement Recognizes Importance of Diverse Political Representation
Washington, DC – Today, in an unprecedented joint announcement, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Latino Victory Fund both endorsed state Representative Brady Piñero Walkinshaw in his bid to represent Washington’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The announcement underscores the appeal of Walkinshaw’s message to diverse constituencies in Seattle and the central Puget Sound, and the growing support for the Latino LGBTQ leader.
Walkinshaw represents a new generation of progressive and pragmatic leaders that reflect the values of the Pacific Northwest District. He has been a champion for college affordability, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, criminal justice reform and addressing gun violence. As a state legislator, Walkinshaw championed affordable housing and homelessness, gender pay equity, and public health legislation with a focus on mental health services.
“Brady’s commitment to smart public policy that addresses the real concerns of constituents makes him the best candidate not only for LGBTQ people and Latinos, but for all residents,” said Victory President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills. “His positive agenda has inspired his community and our organizations, and we are committed to supporting his candidacy through November.”
If elected, Walkinshaw would become the first openly LGBTQ Latino Congress member, the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from Washington state, and the first Latino Democrat from Washington to be elected to a federal office. The joint endorsement marks the beginning of a sustained effort by the Victory Fund and Latino Victory Fund to unite in supporting outstanding leaders from the LGBTQ and Latino communities.
“We are proud to endorse an experienced candidate who has worked diligently for his constituents in Washington,” said César Blanco, Latino Victory interim director. “Brady is a dedicated rising star with progressive values that will help move our country forward, and we know he will be a strong leader in Congress. Latino Victory is excited to work with the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund throughout November to ensure Brady is elected and as such, help increase Latino and LGBTQ representation in government.”
Walkinshaw has been endorsed by more than 30 colleagues from the state legislature, and dozens of community members and advocates.
Learn more about Brady Piñero Walkinshaw and his campaign at bradywalkinshaw.com.
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Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.
Latino Victory Fund
The Latino Victory Fund is an ambitious, non-partisan effort to build political power within the Latino community to ensure the voices of Latinos are reflected at every level of government and in the policies that drive our nation forward.
