Former AZ Rep., political strategist Daniel Hernandez, and political fundraising leader Ben Dotson join LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s critical work to elect more LGBTQ+ people nationwide.
(WASHINGTON) LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to building LGBTQ+ representation at all levels of government, announces today the appointment of Daniel Hernandez as Vice President of Political Programs and Ben Dotson as Vice President of Development. The appointments come as unrelentless attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and identity come from all sides, and the organization’s work and mission grow in importance.
“Our movement faces a defining political landscape and this moment requires exceptional leadership to grow our political power – from city halls to the White House,” says Evan Low, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. “Ben and Daniel both are the leaders to strengthen Victory Fund and position us to empower candidates in key political races across the country and fortify our organization to reach new heights. I am energized by this new chapter in our history and look forward to what we will build together.”
Daniel Hernandez is a multiply-endorsed VF candidate, Candidate and Campaign Training alumnus, former elected official, and experienced public affairs strategist and nonprofit leader. He served Arizonans at the school board level and, most recently, in the state legislature, where he won awards for advocacy and policymaking. He brings more than a decade of LGBTQ+ political advocacy and campaign experience, and a passion for our issues and community.
“Victory Fund has been part of my journey since 2011, when I first attended the candidate training as a young activist,” says Hernandez. “Every step of my journey in public service has included the support of the Victory Fund. To now join as Vice President of Political Programming feels like a homecoming. I’m honored to join this incredible team and excited to help support and elect the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders who will shape our future.”
Ben Dotson most recently worked at EMILYs List and has worked in campaigns, digital engagement and political fundraising for over 16 years. As the Vice President of Digital, he led the two most successful digital fundraising cycles in the organization’s history and built a supporter community of over 6 million. He also served as an appointee in the Department of Energy under President Obama, part of our sister organization LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Political Appointments Program.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Victory Fund at this critical moment,” says Dotson. “Voters are searching for leaders with courage and vision, and Victory Fund candidates are answering that call in communities across the country. As someone who has benefited from the work of Victory Fund, I know firsthand the power of this work to change lives and shape our democracy.”
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to endorse and elect LGBTQ+ elected officials for local, state and federal office. More than 230 candidates have been endorsed thus far in 2025, with dozens more in the pipeline. Interviews are available with Low, Dotson and Hernandez upon request.