Washington, DC – Yesterday LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidates Jennifer Armstrong and Andrew Gray advanced in their primary elections for Alaska’s 16th and 20th state House Districts. Both placed first in their elections and received over 50% of votes. Armstrong is now on track to become the first out LGBTQ woman and Gray is on track to become the first out LGBTQ man to ever serve in the Alaska state legislature.
According to LGBTQ Victory Institute’s Out for America Map, the only national database of out LGBTQ elected officials, Alaska is one of four states with zero out LGBTQ state lawmakers.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, issued the following statement about their historic victories:
“It is no coincidence that in the wake of a historic wave of anti-LGBTQ laws introduced in state legislatures across the country – including in Alaska – a record number of LGBTQ candidates are running for office this year. Alaskans are ready for the change Jennifer and Andrew will bring, from increasing investment in education, to expanding support for Alaska’s veterans, to ensuring economic fairness and upward mobility. For far too long, Alaska’s LGBTQ community has lacked representation in the state legislature – and they have the wounds to show for it. It is critical the LGBTQ community and our allies unite behind exceptional LGBTQ leaders like Jennifer and Andrew who have the grit and experience to fight for and defend our freedoms.”
Victory Fund named Armstrong and Gray Spotlight candidates, 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 on Election Day.
Lyn Franks, who is running for Alaska state House District 18 and advanced last night as well, is also an out LGBTQ woman.
More information about all of Victory Fund’s endorsed candidates is available at www.victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
_________________
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.
