Low’s ambition: Accelerate the percentage of elected seats held by LGBTQ+ people to match the record U.S. population of the LGBTQ+ community (9.3%) — amid rising attacks and legislation.
WASHINGTON – LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to building LGBTQ+ political power worldwide, today announce the appointment of Evan Low as their new President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Today, we face an existential crisis. The LGBTQ+ community, along with other historically excluded communities, are being systematically legislated out of existence,” said Low. “I am committed to ensuring our voices are not just included, but impossible to ignore – and represented at the highest levels of office.”
Low steps into this role following seven years of inspired leadership from Mayor Annise Parker. As LGBTQ+ voices face increasing and unjust attacks, he will build upon Mayor Parker’s trailblazing legacy, championing those who remain critically underrepresented while amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and advancing equality for all.
“We’ve long been inspired by Evan’s commitment, service, and focus on his constituents and the LGBTQ+ population,” said LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Board Chair Howard Pulchin-Ramos. “At this critical time in our history and movement, we are proud to welcome Evan as the next leader of Victory.”
LGBTQ+ Victory Action Board Chair Wade Rakes added, “We must accelerate building LGBTQ+ influence and power. Evan will not only expand opportunities but also reinforce the positive influence of LGBTQ+ leaders across the U.S. and internationally. His expertise, experience, and humanity will fortify Victory to build an even stronger, more inclusive future for all.”
Evan’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, including over a decade in the California State Assembly, where he has led groundbreaking efforts in marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic opportunity. First endorsed by Victory Fund in 2004, he made history as the first Asian American elected to the Campbell City Council and as the youngest openly LGBTQ+ mayor in the nation. A former Bohnett Fellow and past Victory Institute Board of Directors member, Evan embodies Victory’s mission and long-held dedication to expanding LGBTQ+ representation. His leadership and service have been widely recognized, earning him multiple “Legislator of the Year” honors and a proclamation of “Evan Low Day” from then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.
“I am thrilled to lead LGBTQ+ Victory Fund & LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, organizations that shaped my journey in public service,” said Low. “As a twenty-year-old candidate, I experienced firsthand the power of our commitment to training and electing future leaders. Twenty years later, I am coming home to continue that mission—welcoming current and new supporters in our work to secure more seats at more tables and make our voices heard in more halls of power worldwide.”
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute have led the charge to increase LGBTQ+ representation in public office for more than thirty years. Victory Fund has helped elect diverse and historic LGBTQ+ candidates across all fifty states, while Victory Institute has provided the training and support needed for them to lead effectively.
“With his extensive background in politics, we are confident that Low will achieve both missions—helping to elect more LGBTQ+ leaders and ensuring they have the tools to serve successfully,” said Joseph Falk, chair of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Board of Directors. “With Low’s leadership, expect more LGBTQ+ candidates, more candidate wins, and greater LGBTQ+ political impact.”
About LGBTQ+ Victory Fund
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state, and federal elections.
victoryfund.org
About LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
Through leadership development, training, and convenings, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works to achieve and sustain global equality by increasing the number, expanding the diversity of, and ensuring the success of our LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
victoryinstitute.org