Current Lt. Governor Dan McKee will make appointment following his ascension;
Current Governor Gina Raimondo was nominated for US Sec. of Commerce
Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ people to public office, urged Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee to appoint state Senator Donna Nesselbush to the position when he vacates it to become governor. He will ascend to the governorship after current Governor Gina Raimondo – who was nominated by President Joe Biden for U.S. Secretary of Commerce – is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. If appointed, Nesselbush would make history as the first openly LGBTQ person to ever serve in a statewide position in Rhode Island. It is currently the only state in New England to have never had an out LGBTQ statewide official.
In a letter to Lt. Gov. McKee from Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, she noted Nesselbush’s qualifications for the role as well as the opportunity to make political history. The entire letter can be read online.
“When LGBTQ voices are in public leadership positions, it humanizes LGBTQ lives, changes hearts and minds, and leads to more inclusive legislation,” said Mayor Parker in the letter. “However, nominating a qualified LGBTQ leader to a statewide role is about more than advancing LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ leaders bring with them a lived experience that makes them authentic, empathetic, and solutions-oriented leaders – qualities that will serve you and the state well. Naming an LGBTQ leader to this role will demonstrate to young LGBTQ citizens the limitless potential for serving their state.”
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LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ 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.
