Washington, DC – Tonight LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Izzy Smith Wade-El won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 49th state House District. With this victory, he is on track to become the first out non-binary member of the Pennsylvania state legislature. There are currently just three out LGBTQ people serving in the Pennsylvania state legislature and just three out non-binary and gender non-conforming people serving in state legislatures nationally.
Victory Fund named Smith Wade-El a Spotlight candidate, a designation given to state or local candidates in history-making races, that comes with additional support and services from LGBTQ Victory Fund to ensure they win. In the final weeks leading up to and including Election Day, Victory Fund staff were on the ground speaking with voters and providing campaign support.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement about the win:
“By shattering this lavender ceiling, Izzy proved that voters are enthusiastic about candidates with deep advocacy roots who promote policies that work for every American. During one of the darkest chapters in recent history – when LGBTQ people are being weaponized by anti-equality lawmakers – Izzy dug deep and persevered. He earned each and every vote through an incredibly strong ground game and community organizing. He has the political stamina and lived experience that will make him an extraordinary lawmaker and will undoubtedly inspire many other LGBTQ people to run for office.”
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.
